Waterloo East and Charing Cross stations will close for several weeks during the summer to enable major infrastructure upgrades.
The primary shutdown will run from Sunday, July 26 to Sunday, August 16, with additional weekend closures on July 18 and 19, August 22 and 23, and October 10 and 11.
Planned work includes the installation of approximately 1.2 miles of new track, 16 sets of switches, and upgraded drainage systems to address reliability issues on the 36‑year‑old line.
Other improvements will replace deteriorating platform surfaces at Charing Cross, strengthen bridge structures that cross the Thames, and refurbish the pedestrian link between Waterloo East and London Waterloo.
In 2024/25, Charing Cross handled about 19.7 million passenger journeys, while Waterloo East recorded 6.8 million, figures that fall well below the busiest stations in London.
During the closures, no trains will call at either station; services will be rerouted to London Victoria, Cannon Street, Blackfriars, and London Bridge.
Passengers are encouraged to use alternative routes, including the Underground and buses, at no additional cost, and those able to walk or cycle are urged to consider shorter journeys.
The £20 million investment aims to replace aging track and platforms, enhance safety, and reduce future delays, providing a more reliable network for commuters after the work is complete.
