A year-long programme of works on the escalators at Victoria Station will begin on Monday, causing delays and congestion as one escalator at a time is closed. Upwards escalators will remain in use, but access down to the Victoria Line platforms will be via stairs from the District and Circle Line platforms. TfL is warning passengers to avoid Victoria station during rush hours and plan alternative routes where possible.

Victoria station is one of the busiest on the network, with over 220,000 travellers passing through each day. London Underground is redeveloping the station in time for the 2012 Olympics, and work on the escalators is likely to lead to disruption at the station for at least a year. The redevelopment work when complete will enlarge and improve access around the station.

Passengers are advised to plan alternative routes from Green Park or Pimlico, and to avoid taking the tube from Victoria.

Image: Vicchi