Two major London train stations, Charing Cross and Waterloo East, are set to close for 22 days from Sunday, July 26 to Sunday, August 16, as part of a £20 million upgrade. The closures will affect Southeastern services, with trains diverted to London Victoria, Cannon Street, Blackfriars, and London Bridge. Some services will terminate at London Bridge.
Closure Dates and Preparation Work
The main closure runs from July 26 to August 16, but additional weekend closures are scheduled for July 18-19, August 22-23, and October 10-11 for preparation and follow-up work. Network Rail warns that travel arrangements on these dates may differ from the main closure, urging passengers to check before traveling.
Scope of the £20 Million Upgrade
The upgrade includes replacing approximately 1,800 metres of track and installing 16 new sets of switches and crossings, which allow trains to move between tracks. The existing equipment dates back to 1990. At Waterloo East, track drainage will be improved to maintain track quality and safe operation at full speed. Parts of Charing Cross station will be rebuilt, with new foundations and platform surfaces. Structural repairs will also be carried out on the 175-year-old Hungerford Bridge and the pedestrian link between Waterloo East and London Waterloo.
Impact on Passengers
No trains will call at Charing Cross or Waterloo East during the closure. Southeastern services will be diverted, and passengers are warned to expect delays and cancellations. Affected passengers can claim refunds for all ticket types, including journeys using alternative routes. A dedicated refund form will be available on the Southeastern website from July 26.
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.”
