Three bridges on the approach to the former international platforms at Waterloo will be widened and strengthened to accommodate South West Trains services, which are due to use the platforms from 2017. When the international terminal was designed, the track layout meant it was not possible for more than one train to operate in and out of the station simultaneously. When the platforms are reopened, multiple trains may run at the same time, meaning the bridges will need to support additional weight, so strengthening is needed. By removing gaps between the currently separate newer bridges and the older existing viaducts the track layout can be carried by both, enabling greater flexibility. Platform 20 closed in December, when work to alter the bridges and track layouts began. Bringing the international platforms into use will enable the suburban line platforms 1 to 4 at the opposite side of the station to be shut in summer 2017 so that they can be extended to accommodate 10-car trains as part of SWT's capacity enhancement programme.
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