Charing Cross station to close for three weeks this summer
Southeastern and Network Rail have announced a three week closure of Charing Cross station later this year.
No rail services will head to the station between Sunday 26th July and Sunday 16th August 2026. Being in the summer holidays fewer people use the station at that time hence the choice to close to undertake a number of upgrades.
Southeastern state:
“The temporary closure of Charing Cross and Waterloo East stations will allow South Eastern Railway to carry out a package of essential improvements designed to make journeys safe and reliable for years to come.
“Engineers will replace 1,800 metres of life-expired track between Waterloo East and Charing Cross and deliver a series of upgrades to improve reliability, safety and long-term performance.
“The track, last replaced in the early 1990s, is becoming increasingly unreliable and requires extensive maintenance to keep services running safely. In recent years, faults on the approaches to Charing Cross have caused hundreds of hours of delays. Without intervention, these issues would continue to worsen, leading to more delays for customers.
“To make the most of the closure the 22-day programme includes drainage improvements at Waterloo East, structural repairs to Hungerford Bridge, and the railway is continuing to develop plans to bring even more work into the programme. Completing these works within a 22-day closure means customers will experience the benefits sooner and helps avoid a long series of weekend or bank holiday closures.
“Engineers, planners and timetable specialists examined a wide range of delivery options. A continuous 22-day closure in the summer, when schools are off, commuter numbers are lower, and customers generally have more flexibility, is the least disruptive and most efficient way to complete the work.”
During closure trains will divert to other central London stations.
