Key Points
- Major engineering works to disrupt train and Overground services in South East London during February half term (Feb 17-21).
- Affected train operators include Southeastern, Thameslink, and London Overground.
- Southeastern Hayes Line: Ongoing repairs at Ladywell, affecting services until February 28.
- Southeastern Bexleyheath Line: Amended services between Lewisham and Dartford with bus replacements (Feb 19-21).
- Gravesend Line: Buses replace trains between Dartford and Gravesend early morning Sunday, February 23.
- Thameslink Sevenoaks Line: Services between Blackfriars and Sevenoaks affected Monday-Thursday evenings (Feb 17-20).
- Thameslink Gillingham Line: No late-night service between Dartford and Gillingham on Sunday, February 23.
- London Overground: No service between Highbury & Islington and New Cross/Clapham Junction/Battersea Park/Crystal Palace/West Croydon over the weekend of February 21-22.
- Bus replacement services to operate for all affected routes.
What travel changes are planned for Southeastern services?
Hayes Line disruptions
Ongoing repairs at Ladywell until February 28 will lead to cancellations or revisions for trains passing through Ladywell. During weekday evening peak hours, trains will stop at Eden Park and New Beckenham.
Bexleyheath Line amendments
Late-night services between Lewisham and Dartford (via Bexleyheath) will run on an amended schedule from February 19 to February 21. Some trains will be diverted to run via Sidcup, and a bus replacement service will operate between Lewisham and Dartford.
Gravesend Line changes
On February 23, early morning trains between Dartford and Gravesend will be replaced by buses due to engineering works. Notably, the 12:30am Charing Cross to Gravesend and 12:26am Cannon Street to Dartford services will terminate earlier than usual.
Morning service alterations on February 23
Engineering work at Dartford will close certain lines early Sunday morning. Bus services will replace:
- The 6:50am Dartford to London Charing Cross train (starting from Crayford).
- The 7:02am Dartford to London Victoria train (starting from Barnehurst).
Bromley South Line disruptions
On February 23, lines between Denmark Hill and Bromley South will be closed. Accessible buses will replace services, while trains between Victoria and Orpington will be diverted to Denmark Hill and will not stop at Shortlands.
How will Thameslink services be impacted?
Sevenoaks Line closures
Between February 17 and February 20, late-night services from Blackfriars to Sevenoaks will not stop at St Mary Cray, Swanley, Eynsford, Shoreham, Otford, or Bat & Ball. Trains will be diverted via Orpington, with buses replacing services between Bromley South and Sevenoaks.
Gillingham Line amendments
On February 23, late-night engineering works will close lines between Dartford and Gillingham. The 1:24am Dartford to Gillingham train will not run, with a bus replacement service operating instead.
What are the changes for London Overground services?
Windrush Line service suspension
Over the weekend of February 21-22, there will be no Overground services between Highbury & Islington and destinations including New Cross, Clapham Junction, Battersea Park, Crystal Palace, and West Croydon. Bus replacement services will run to mitigate disruption.
What steps should travellers take?
Travellers are advised to plan their journeys ahead of time and check the National Rail Enquiries and Transport for London (TfL) websites for live updates and alternative travel options. Southeastern, Thameslink, and Overground services are encouraging passengers to allow extra travel time and utilise replacement buses where applicable.
A spokesperson for Southeastern commented: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused and appreciate the patience of our passengers during these necessary engineering works.
