London Charing Cross and Waterloo East stations have closed for three weeks as part of a £20million upgrade, with engineers carrying out major improvement works until Sunday, August 16.
Closure Dates
The main closures run from Sunday, July 26 to Sunday, August 16, coinciding with the summer holidays. Additional weekend closures are scheduled for preparation and follow-up work: July 18-19, August 22-23, and October 10-11. Network Rail warns that travel arrangements on these extra dates may differ, so passengers should check before travelling.
Reason for Works
The work includes replacing nearly 2km of track and installing 16 new sets of switches and crossings, which allow trains to move between tracks. The infrastructure dates from 1990 and the upgrade aims to improve reliability. At Waterloo East, track drainage will be upgraded. At Charing Cross, platform sections are being rebuilt with new foundations and surfaces. Structural repairs are also being carried out on the 175-year-old Hungerford Bridge and the pedestrian link between Waterloo East and London Waterloo.
Disruption and Diversions
No trains will call at Charing Cross or Waterloo East during the closure. Southeastern services will be diverted to London Victoria, Cannon Street, Blackfriars, and London Bridge. Passengers are urged to check their route, as alternative services are in place. Southeastern warns of delays and cancellations.
Refunds
Affected passengers can claim refunds for all ticket types, including journeys using reasonable alternative routes. A dedicated refund form is available on the Southeastern website.
Quotes
Scott Brightwell, train services director on the Southeastern Railway, said: “The £20 million investment we are delivering will see 1990s track and platforms upgraded to make journeys safer and more reliable, and Victorian-era structures strengthened to remain fit for the future.” He added: “We have planned the closure for the summer, when passenger numbers are around 20 per cent lower and schools are closed, to help manage the impact on customers.”
