Track works at West Hampstead Thameslink

[jas_sl]

I noticed today while passing thru West Hampstead Thameslink the 5th and 6th lines, which are on the west side of station and aren't served by any platforms, are being worked on - covered in a layer of sand and either side of the station the lines appear clipped.

Any idea what is going on there? Also, what were/are these lines for? Did they originally form part of the Super-Outer Circle and head off the Dudding Jnc?

 

[mackenzie_blu]

I noticed today while passing thru West Hampstead Thameslink the 5th and 6th lines, which are on the west side of station and aren't served by any platforms, are being worked on - covered in a layer of sand and either side of the station the lines appear clipped.

Any idea what is going on there? Also, what were/are these lines for? Did they originally form part of the Super-Outer Circle and head off the Dudding Jnc?

They were lifted at some time I dont know but currently the former track bed is being used for by the construction of the new station and bridge there. I dont know what the long term plan is but graphics showing the finished station and bridge have all lines working.

 

[jas_sl]

Thanks - I found out it's to do with the West Hampstead Interchange work:

http://londonconnections.blogspot.com/2008/07/west-hampstead-interchange-details.html

Seems original plans for moving the North London Line and Thameslink platforms east of the road bridge to bring them together have been shelved and a cheaper option is what is going on now at West Hampstead Thameslink.

But from what I can see from the train, those west-most tracks are definitely under earth and sand!