Northern line closure dates postponed during Colindale work

Transport for London (TfL) previously announced the Edgware branch of the Northern line would be closed for additional days between Thursday (July 25) to July 28.

However the transport network says it has reassessed its construction programme and has scrapped the planned four-day closure between Golders Green and Edgware.

The plans were part of a series of closures taking place this year due to building work at Colindale station.

Shutdowns already took place From April 2 to April 11, on June 8 and June 9, June 15 and 16 and June 29 and 30.

What are the new closure dates?

TfL says the branch will instead be closed over a shorter period from September 7 to September 8.

This means that services will be running as normal this week, but will not stop at Colindale.

Replacement buses offered

People living in Colindale have slammed TfL for its inconsistent replacement services offered while Colindale station is shut.

But TfL has tried to refine its plans with the free-of-charge NL6 bus service between Colindale and Hendon Central to help locals get around.

Originally it involved four buses running every 15 minutes during the morning and evening peaks.

But after monitoring the demand, TfL admitted the route “could be improved”.

People waiting at Colindale Gardens (Image: Janice)

A spokesperson said: “We therefore began a trial to supplement the NL6 service from Monday, June 24 initially for two weeks but have now extended it for a further four weeks until Friday, August 2, after observing a reduction in queuing at bus stops served by the NL6 and 186 bus routes and an increase in service reliability

“This means that six NL6 buses are currently in service in the morning, running every 10 minutes, and five NL6 buses are in service in the evening, running every 12 minutes

“Demand during the evening peak period is more spread out than in the mornings – which is the reason for putting one fewer bus into service in the evening

“The trial is currently set to run until Friday, August 2 when it will be reviewed, considering many factors including customer movements and travel demand.”

Extra 186 buses have also been running between the last scheduled 186 bus and the first N5 night bus, after midnight on Friday/Saturday and early morning Saturday/Sundays. 

Why is this happening?

Colindale station is receiving a major upgrade after TfL secured £43.1 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund to upgrade both Colindale and Leyton stations.

It means they will have step-free access for the first time.

TfL said the station, in its current state, was projected to reach passenger capacity by 2026.

Under the new plans, the 1960s entrance will be replaced with a new building, a spacious ticket hall and step-free access.

People waiting in the rain on June 13 (Image: Janice)

So far, the first and second stages have been completed – including the removal of the platform staircases, overbridge and canopy.

The structure needed to support the new ticket hall building is currently being installed.

The station was closed from June 7 and is scheduled to reopen in December - although locals fear it could take longer.

However, TfL says it is still on track to reopen by December.