The first ballast and rails arrived this weekend so the government-sponsored Thameslink Programme can begin laying track across Borough Viaduct, in central London.

This viaduct, constructed during 2012, will be used by Charing Cross trains from January 4, 2016, while the old viaduct is relaid to carry future Thameslink services.

In addition to the delivery of raw materials, this weekend saw a new signal gantry swung into place near Waterloo East and old sleepers and track removed from around London Bridge station.