Commuter chaos feared as 2 major train stations to shut for 22 days | UK | News
Two major railway stations in the UK will close for three weeks over the summer as South Eastern Railway carries out engineering works. The disruptions are expected to affect 10,000 passengers over 22 days.
Charing Cross and Waterloo stations will be closed for track and bridge repairs as part of a £20 million overhaul that will see around 1,800 meters of poor quality track between Waterloo East and Charing Cross removed and replaced.
Passengers have been informed that their journeys may change and take longer, and that London routes will remain open but will be diverted to other stations instead.
Southeastern services to Charing Cross will be diverted to Victoria, Cannon Street and Blackfriars stations. It has been reported that some trains will terminate at London Bridge during the closure and tickets will be accepted on alternative rail routes, the London Underground and buses. Sun.
As well as replacing the depleted line, engineers will also work on drainage improvements at Waterloo East and structural repairs to the Hungerford Bridge.
Customers were stunned by the extended closure; “3 weeks? In Japan this will be completed in less than 5 days,” one wrote on Facebook. he wrote.
Another said they used Charing Cross station “every day” and asked: “three weeks?” he asked the question. He added that this was the first time they heard about the closures.
Scott Brightwell, South Eastern Railway Director of Operations and Safety, said: “We know that closing Charing Cross and Waterloo East for 22 days is a significant change and we are sorry for the disruption this will cause.
“This is not a decision we have taken lightly. We have looked long and hard at every possible option, and while none are ineffective, a single summer closure is the least disruptive and most efficient way to carry out this vital business.”
It is hoped that the work carried out during the closure will prevent future closures and help deliver better and more reliable services.
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