Northern Line: Weekend Disruptions and Major Investment Plans Ahead

Why the Northern Line Matters to London

The Northern Line stands as London’s busiest underground route, carrying around 340 million passengers per year in 2019. The line is unique on the network in having two routes through Central London, two northern branches and two southern branches, making it a vital artery for commuters across the capital. Any disruptions or improvements to this crucial transport link have significant implications for millions of Londoners who depend on it for their daily journeys.

Current Weekend Service Disruptions

Part of the Northern line will be down on both Saturday (December 6) and Sunday (December 7), affecting passengers travelling during the weekend. More specifically, there will be no service between Archway and High Barnet / Mill Hill East after 0530 each day. Additionally, there will be no Night Tube services on Saturday and Sunday between 1.45am and 5.30am from Charing Cross and Golders Green / High Barnet. Transport for London has arranged replacement bus service NL3 to operate between affected stations, and TfL has asked Londoners to check before they travel across the network.

Major Investment in Accessibility

Looking beyond immediate disruptions, Transport for London is investing heavily in making the Northern Line more accessible. It could cost up to £730 million to upgrade just five of London Underground’s Northern Line stations to step-free access. Progress is already underway at several locations: Colindale station on the Northern Line will have a new ticket hall and lift before the end of the year at a cost of £30m. These improvements represent a significant commitment to ensuring the line serves passengers of all abilities.

What This Means for Passengers

For immediate travel plans, passengers affected by this weekend’s closures should allow extra time for their journeys and consider alternative routes or the replacement bus services. The ongoing accessibility improvements, while potentially causing short-term inconvenience, signal Transport for London’s long-term commitment to modernising the network. As London’s busiest tube line, any investment in the Northern Line ultimately benefits a substantial portion of the capital’s commuting population, ensuring the line can continue to serve its vital role in connecting North and South London for years to come.