Planned tram track work to disrupt East Croydon services throughout February
By Harrison Galliven, Local Democracy Reporter
Croydon tram passengers are due to face disruption next month as Transport for London (TfL) undertakes a major track renewal project.
From February 15, to 23, a section of track between Wellesley Road and East Croydon will be replaced, causing significant changes to tram services in the town centre and east of East Croydon.
Trams will not run between Reeves Corner and Sandilands, including the town centre loop, throughout the weekend, and services to Elmers End will also be halted.
Replacement bus services will be available to serve affected stops, but passengers are advised to expect delays.
For those heading to Elmers End, the 289 bus service will run every 12 to 15 minutes, offering connections to Addiscombe and West Croydon. Alternatively, Birkbeck tram stop is a short walk away, or passengers can catch bus route 356 at bus stop B.
The disruption will continue from February 16 to 23. No trams will run between Reeves Corner and East Croydon, again affecting the town centre loop, and there will also be no service between Arena and Elmers End.
The 289 bus will remain the best option for reaching Elmers End, and other local buses such as routes 64, 119, 130, 194, 198, 464, and 466 will continue to operate, though they are expected to be busier than usual.
Throughout these works, services will continue on the rest of the London Trams network as normal, and all roads around the works will remain open to traffic.
Additional works will take place during this closure, including localised highway repairs, drainage work, and platform upgrades at various tram stops. These essential tasks are carried out alongside the track replacement to reduce future service interruptions.
TfL’s general manager for London Trams, Navid Golshan, said: “This planned maintenance is vital to ensure we can continue to offer customers a reliable service. We’ve taken the opportunity to complete additional essential works to minimise future closures.
“I’d like to thank customers for their patience during this time and encourage everyone to plan ahead, allowing extra time for their journeys.”
For more details and updates, passengers should check information displayed at local tram stops or visit the TfL website. The TfL Hopper fare remains in place, allowing unlimited journeys on buses and trams within an hour for just £1.75.
Pictured top: East Croydon Station (Picture: Tara O’Connor)