TWO major UK train stations are shutting down for 22 days over the summer.
Southern Eastern Railway will carry out engineering works which will affect journey time for 10,000 commuters.
Charing Cross station will shut down for 22 days in summerCredit: Ray Collins
South Eastern Railway is carrying out essential engineering works during the shutdownCredit: Alamy
From Sunday 26 July to Sunday 16 August, Charing Cross and Waterloo East stations will be closed for essential track and bridge repairs.
Officials say the closures are part of a £20 million overhaul that’ll see nearly 1,800 metres of old, worn-out track ripped up and replaced between Waterloo East and Charing Cross.
Customers have been advised that their journeys might be different and take longer.
Routes to London will remain open but will instead be diverted to other stations.
Southeastern services into Charing Cross will be redirected to Victoria, Cannon Street and Blackfriars stations.
Some trains will be terminating at London Bridge while tickets will be accepted on alternative rail routes, and buses.
The ageing track, which was last replaced more than 35 years ago, has caused repeated faults on the approaches to Charing Cross.
This has led to hundreds of hours of delays, leaving frustrated commuters stuck on platforms or stranded on packed trains.
As well as ripping up and replacing worn-out track, engineers will tackle drainage upgrades at Waterloo East and carry out vital structural repairs to Hungerford Bridge.
The three-week closure is expected to prevent future shutdowns during and weekends and will deliver more reliable service.
Scott Brightwell, Director of Operations and Safety, South Eastern Railway, said: “We know closing Charing Cross and Waterloo East for 22 days is a significant change and we’re sorry for the disruption it will cause.
“This is not a decision we’ve taken lightly. We’ve looked long and hard at every possible option and although none of them are without impact, a single closure is the least disruptive and most efficient way to carry out this vital work.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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