London Charing Cross and Waterloo East stations are set to close for a 22-day period this summer as Southeastern Railway carries out a £20 million programme of essential infrastructure upgrades.

The main closure will take place from Sunday 26 July to Sunday 16 August 2026. This window, supplemented by several preparation and follow-up weekends, will enable engineers to undertake a comprehensive overhaul of the site. The works include the replacement of nearly two kilometres of track dating back 36 years, the rebuilding of platform sections at Charing Cross, and the upgrading of track drainage systems.

Structural repairs will also be conducted on two vital crossings: the Hungerford Bridge, which carries the railway over the River Thames, and the pedestrian link bridge connecting Waterloo East to London Waterloo.

The project is designed to modernise one of the most critical sections of the Southeastern network, ensuring a safer and more resilient service for the future. By opting for a continuous 22-day block, the railway avoids the alternative of 60 separate weekend closures or multiple nine-day shutdowns.

Scott Brightwell, Train Services Director at Southeastern Railway, said: “The £20 million investment we are delivering will see 1990s track and platforms upgraded to make journeys safer and more reliable, and Victorian era structures strengthened to remain fit for the future.

“By consolidating the work into 22-day closure, supported by preparation and follow-up weekends, we can complete the work more quickly and with less disruption overall than the alternative options of 60 weekend closures or four to five 9-day closures.

“We have planned the closure for the summer, when passenger numbers are around 20 per cent lower and schools are closed, to help manage the impact on customers.”

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