Network Rail announce major closures for February half term

Network Rail has announced major closures to complete signalling upgrades this February half term.

The work will mean no trains will run on parts of the National Rail and London Overground networks for up to nine days from February 10, until February 18, 2024.

The upgrades will take place between Crystal Palace, Tulse Hill and Peckham Rye are part of a more than £400million programme of investment in track and signalling upgrades that Network Rail is delivering in South London. 

The work will replace the old 1980s signalling equipment with new technology and track upgrades at key locations on the network to cut delays and speed up journeys.

During a seven-day closure from February 10, to February 16, 2024, Thameslink passengers travelling between Herne Hill, Wimbledon and Sutton, are advised to use buses or alternative National Rail, trams or London Underground routes.

Southern passengers travelling between London Bridge and Streatham or Streatham Hill will be able to use alternative routes on buses and a limited replacement bus service will also run. 

Passengers on the West Norwood and Crystal Palace to Norwood Junction or Beckenham Hill sections will be able to use alternative buses, trams and London Overground routes.

London Overground services between Canada Water and Clapham Junction are also suspended from February 10 until February 18, 2024 and there will be a rail replacement bus service for passengers to complete their journeys.

There will also be some weekend closures in the same area before and after the February half-term closure to allow engineers to get the new signalling system ready and then to remove redundant equipment that is no longer required.

Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail’s Sussex route director, said: “Signalling upgrades between East Croydon and London Victoria, delivered last Christmas, have seen delays cut by more than half which really goes to show how vital it is that we continue to invest in to modernise our assets and give passengers the delay free journeys they expect from us.

“We are expecting this phase of signalling upgrades in the Crystal Palace, Tulse Hill and Peckham Rye areas to deliver a similarly impressive reduction in delays when it comes into use in February.

“We know the work means up to nine days of major changes to journeys for passengers and we are sorry for the disruption. 

“While there is never a good time to close the railway, the half term is significantly quieter, and by the doing the work on consecutive days we can minimise the overall impact on passengers.

“So please plan ahead, look out for further updates and follow the travel advice.”

Pictured top: Network Rail has announced major closures for up to nine days this February half term (Picture: Network Rail)