Plans for a brand new station have been approved by the London Borough of Bexley and the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

The new two-level station will open in 2017 and will be built above two new dedicated Crossrail tracks and those used by North Kent services. The station will include:

• A bright, spacious concourse that leads directly onto a wide forecourt connecting the station to the Harrow Manorway dual carriageway which runs above the current station

• Two new 'island' platforms for Crossrail and North Kent services

• Lifts to help passengers get around the station and to provide step-free access to every platform.

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Work on the temporary station, which will be situated in the current station car park and open in autumn 2014, will get underway next month. It will include a staffed gate line, ticket machines and windows, and a cash point. It will also provide an accessible route to all platforms throughout the build programme via platform lifts. Demolition of the existing station will begin once the temporary station opens.

Matt White, Crossrail's Surface Director, said: "This new, landmark station will help to transform Abbey Wood. Crossrail represents a major step-change for the area, encouraging investment, unlocking development opportunities, as well as supporting local jobs and businesses."

Rob McIntosh, Network Rail’s Crossrail Programme Director, said: "We're delighted our designs have been approved and that we can now get on with the job of delivering this transformational project on behalf of Crossrail. We’ll continue working with our partners and local stakeholders to deliver a railway that is safe, efficient and fit for the 21st Century."

(CD/MH)