Transport for London
Video uploaded: 13.04.2011
Tube Upgrade Plan
For the first time, left, you can now hear directly from the London Underground team behind the Tube upgrade plan.
They explain just how they work out what lines to close, and when, in order to carry out vital upgrade work.
And vital it is. We need to do up the Underground now, if you're to have a better Tube in the future.
But we also know that the work can be disruptive for you. The video, left, explains how nothing is carried out without being planned well in advance.
What's happening on your line?
Find out how the work we're doing will make the Tube faster, more reliable and easier to use. And if you're travelling today, check live travel news to see if your journey's affected.
Upgrade update - Why do we close lines?
Closures aren't something we agree to lightly. We know they're a headache, so they're only an option when they help us improve the network. Our upgrade plan is already well under way, and temporary closures are helping us to make changes that will increase capacity, improve reliability and make journeys smoother and more comfortable.
Minimising disruption
'I'm Howard Collins and I'm in charge of the day-to-day running of the Tube.
'That means I hate closures as much as you do. However, I also know we'll face a lot more closures in future if we don't upgrade the network.
'That's why my colleagues in charge of the upgrade plan are so keen to get on with it.
'When their work means closing a line, my team ensures nothing can go ahead until the closure has been thoroughly worked out.
'Since engineering work is planned months - even years - in advance, there's plenty of time for us to review options and try to minimise disruption.'
Weekend works
'My name's David Waboso and I oversee all Tube upgrade projects. If my engineers can carry out work at night, that's what we prefer. But often, work takes longer than the four hours available to us each night when the Tube isn't running.
'This means doing bigger projects over weekends instead. Sometimes it even makes sense to close a stretch of line for days or even weeks - but only if it saves us time and means we can avoid multiple weekend closures.
'Sticking with our upgrade plan is a priority, but so is trying to keep lines and stations open.'
What's our plan?
The Tube is the oldest underground railway network in the world, and it's carrying more people than ever before. If we want it to continue working, a major upgrade is essential. It will take a while, but we're working to a plan that'll make your journey better.
We know you may have some questions about our upgrade plan, things like:
- When will it all be finished?
- Why do you have to disrupt my weekend travel?
- What's been done so far?
You can also find out about closures in advance.
Check if your Tube line is affected by upgrade works
