A new footbridge has been opened at West Hampstead Overground station as a late running upgrade slowly progresses.

The new footbridge is considerably wider than the old access space down to the platforms, and the staircases double the width of the older stairs they are replacing.

However, the upgrade works are significantly behind schedule, as they were due to be complete a few months ago. Only the footbridge has opened to the public, and it’s not finished either.

Works on the side of the footbridge to link it to the new ticket hall are still under way.

It’s reported that the delay stems from an unexpected massive slab of concrete that was added to the bridge that runs over the railway tracks, and supports the old station entrance.

Plans to pull the old building back and release more space on the pavement may now need to be revised as that would require the pavement to be reinforced to the same level as the road, in case a heavy lorry were to swerve onto the pavement by accident.

The old Edwardian era station building was due to be turned into a “retail opportunity”, although that may now be in doubt if the pavement issue proves intractable.