The glass roof of Waterloo will be replaced with a plastic one during the overhaul of the station

The current roof of Waterloo Station was installed just after World War I. Photo: Richard Baker/In Pictures via Getty Images. began at Waterloo Station to replace the 100-year-old glass roof, last rebuilt just after the First World War, with a plastic one.

Travelers traveling through the UK's busiest station will soon see glass panels overlooking the main the lobby has been replaced with plastic glazing.

Network Rail said the ceiling panels needed to be replaced because the current glass roof, installed in 1922, requires «a lot of maintenance and is prone to leaks.» The new roof will also be 50% lighter.

The renovation is part of a larger program of work to improve Waterloo over the next few years.

The station is the busiest in the country, with 41.4 million passengers getting in and out, according to the Railways and Highways Authority. From April 2021 to March 2022, this was followed by London Victoria Station with 36.8 million passengers.

Jem Davies, Network Rail London Waterloo manager, said: “Customers will soon benefit from an easier and a flashy car. Work is also underway to improve the retail and food and beverage offerings, and the toilets are also in the process of extensive renovation.

“There will be some changes to the station as we go through the upgrades and our station team will be on hand to make sure the station runs as smoothly as possible for customers.”

About 10,000 new glass panels will be installed on the 12,000 square meters of roof , which is almost twice the size of the field at Wembley Stadium.

Engineers will also add 480 eco-friendly wooden seating in the lobby and 120 seating on the platforms. While the station is under construction, the taxiway will operate a one-way system.

The station is already planning to add a gender-neutral toilet, as well as additional facilities for women, as well as additional child changing areas. .

Peter Williams, customer and commercial director for South Western Railway, added: «Our colleagues at Network Rail will be making these improvements with minimal disruption to the station, and we look forward to welcoming customers to a brighter Waterloo.» .