A 130-year-old bridge is about to be replaced by Network Rail as part of its programme of engineering works this August Bank Holiday, which will affect some journeys in Kent and South East London.
Along with the work to replace the bridge at Catford, South East London, engineers will also be replacing points, the moveable rails which allow trains to change tracks, at a very busy junction near Crayford. The work will take place between Saturday 29 August and Monday 31 August, and passengers are urged to check before they travel.
The junction at Crayford was originally installed as part of wartime resilience for the railway, and it is now one of the busiest on Southeastern’s Metro network, linking Sidcup with Dartford. Replacing the points there will help improve reliability for passengers across the area.
The bridge at Catford was constructed circa 1890 and strengthened in 1916. Freight trains are currently subject to a 15mph speed restriction over the bridge due to its condition, so it is essential we replace it, to avoid further speed restrictions and disruption to services in the future.
Network Rail’s route director for Kent, Fiona Taylor, said: “We know there is never a good time to close the railway, but the replacement of these life expired assets is vital to improve the reliability of journeys for our passengers.”
Southeastern Train Services Director, Scott Brightwell, said: “This is another important project under the South East Upgrade that helps to improve our service. It will give our passengers more reliable journeys by reducing the risk of delays. Thanks for bearing with us while this essential work is carried out.”
Additional work will be completed while the railway is closed between Nunhead and Shortlands, to avoid future disruption for passengers and deliver immediate benefits. This will include embankment work, track work and work at Beckenham Hill station.
Travel advice
- Buses will replace trains between Sidcup and Dartford and Slade Green and Dartford, with services on some other lines diverted and/or retimed
- Buses will replace trains between Lewisham and Hayes
- TfL ticket acceptance will be in place as usual for reasonable alternative routes
For detailed travel advice visit https://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/travel-information/live-travel-information/planned-engineering-work
Over the next few years Network Rail is investing a record £1.25bn to upgrade track, signalling, embankments, structures, stations and depots to give passengers in Kent and South East London better journeys, with fewer delays. The funding will tackle decades of under investment in the Kent network, replacing ageing equipment with new and more reliable technology to support improving train performance and keep people moving for decades to come.
Photo credit: Network Rail
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