Passengers are being advised to check before travelling this Summer as London Charing Cross and Waterloo East are to close for 22 days.

The closure will allow for £20m to be spent on essential railway upgrades.

Both Charing Cross and Waterloo East will be closed from the 26th July until the 16th August, with some weekends either side, which are

• Sunday 31 May 
• Sunday 7 June  
• Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July 
• Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August 
• Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October. 

Nearly 2km of track will be replaced, as well as sections of the platform at Charing Cross, being rebuilt.

Improvements to drainage systems and repairs to the Waterloo East to London Waterloo Pedestrian link bridge will also be completed. 

No trains will call at London Charing Cross or Waterloo East. Southeastern will divert services to London Victoria, London Cannon Stret, London Blackfriars and London Bridge.

“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.  

“By consolidating the work into 22‑day closure, supported by preparation and follow‑up weekends, we can complete the work more quickly and with less disruption overall than the alternative options of 60 weekend closures or four to five 9-day closures.  

“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.  

“We’re asking passengers to plan ahead and check before they travel”. 

Scott Brightwell, Train Services Director, South Eastern Railway