THE FIRST phase of a multi-million-pound upgrade project at Finsbury Park Overground station has begun.

Changes slated for the next three years include platform canopies being refurbished and extended and new waiting shelters, a new footbridge and lifts being built.

Two of the platforms will be extended to accommodate 12-carriage trains, improving capacity on the outer suburban routes that stop at Harringay, Hornsey, Alexandra Palace and Bowes Park stations.

A “vital” scheme to increase capacity between Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace will also see disused platforms brought back into use at both stations and conversion of a line used by freight trains to take passenger trains as well.

The new platform at Finsbury Park, due to be completed in 2013, will be connected to the rest of the station by a new footbridge and lifts, giving step-free access between the ticket office and all platforms for the first time.

In the longer term as part of the Thameslink upgrade programme, there will be more trains across all routes, including direct trains through to London Bridge and beyond from 2018.

The work is funded by rail infrastructure firm Network Rail, train operator First Capital Connect and the Department for Transport.

Richard Lungmuss, Network Rail route director, said the improvements between Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace “will improve performance and reduce journey times, for passengers travelling into King’s Cross and Moorgate”.

* The work means an amended timetable will operate each Sunday until October. In many cases, northbound trains will not call at Hornsey or Harringay. Passengers are advised to travel to Alexandra Palace and double-back on a southbound service. Information will be on posters at Finsbury Park station and at www.firstcapitalconnect.co.uk/changes.