Week of disruptions for rail users at Crystal Palace
Passengers in the Crystal Palace area are being asked to plan ahead if travelling from this coming Saturday to Sunday, September 1, as Network Rail carry out a major track upgrade.
Crystal Palace station will be closed over the bank holiday weekend, Saturday 24 to Monday 26 August.
Between Tuesday 27 and Friday 30 August, Southern trains to and from London Bridge via Sydenham and New Cross Gate will start and terminate at Crystal Palace.
On Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1, Southern trains that normally operate from Crystal Palace to London Bridge via Sydenham and Brockley will not run.
For nine days from this Saturday to Sunday, September 1, West Norwood, Gipsy Hill and Birkbeck stations will be closed and Southern trains between London Bridge and Beckenham station will not run.
Southern London Victoria to London Bridge trains will only run between London Victoria and Streatham Hill.
Passengers will be able to use their rail tickets on London Underground, London Overground and London Buses in the area to help them complete their journeys.
The upgrade at the busy Crystal Palace junction, which controls the movement of trains in and out of the station, will help reduce train delays and improve passenger journeys.
Five sets of switches and crossings, the moveable rails that allow trains to transfer between lines, and 1500m of track will be replaced with brand new equipment.
Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail’s Sussex Route Director, said: “We know there is never a good time to close the railway, but the work will bring significant improvements.
“In addition to the replacement of the switches and crossings, we will install 730 metres of new conductor rail and 4000m of new signalling and telecom cables.
“We’re advising people to plan ahead and use London Bus, London Underground or alternative National Rail services. Please check before you travel.
“The current upgrade is just one part of our continuing investment in improving passenger journeys. This autumn in the same area, we are also planning a significant upgrade in the signalling to modernise 1980s equipment which will result in fewer faults and fewer delays.”
Chris Fowler, Network Operations and Performance Director for Govia Thameslink Railway which operates Southern trains said: “Network Rail’s major improvements to this busy part of the network will deliver long-term benefits for South London, and we thank our customers for their patience and understanding during these upcoming nine days of inconvenience.”
Customers can check train times at www.nationalrail.co.uk and plan alternative routes at www.tfl.gov.uk
The work will run from Saturday 24 August to Sunday 1 September inclusive.
Pictured top: Crystal Palace junction (Picture: Govia/Network Rail)