(C) Tom Page
Cutty Sark DLR station will close from Saturday 31 May until spring 2026 for the full replacement of its four escalators, Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed.
The major works will see the installation of state-of-the-art, energy-efficient escalators to replace the existing set, which have suffered from persistent reliability issues and were eventually taken out of service after becoming beyond economic repair.
Due to the limited space within the station and the complexity of replacing all four escalators simultaneously, TfL has confirmed that keeping the station open during the work is not feasible.
Ben Grellier, TfL’s Head of Operations for the DLR, said:
“We know Cutty Sark’s escalators have caused frustration and disruption, and we thank customers for their patience. This closure is essential to deliver a lasting fix and ensure reliable access to the DLR in the future.”
Len Duvall, London Assembly Member for Greenwich and Lewisham, welcomed the investment:
“While the temporary closure is unfortunate, I’m pleased that TfL has secured funding for a long-term solution. I look forward to seeing the station fully functioning once again.”
Alternative Travel Advice
During the closure, passengers are advised to use nearby Greenwich station, an 11-minute walk away, or take advantage of local bus services. Enhanced street-level signage will be provided to guide passengers between the two stations.
Special arrangements will also be in place during the London Marathon to manage station access and avoid crowding, with details to be announced closer to the event.
Modern, Sustainable Infrastructure
Each of the new escalators will weigh approximately 40 tonnes and feature modern energy-saving technology. When not in use, they will run in eco mode, reducing energy consumption in line with TfL’s decarbonisation targets.
The decision to replace the escalators follows years of technical difficulties. Originally installed in 1999 by the City Greenwich Lewisham (CGL) PFI consortium, responsibility for maintenance transferred to TfL in 2021. Despite refurbishment efforts, including sourcing custom parts from overseas, reliability issues persisted—ultimately leading to the decision for full replacement.
Looking Ahead
Work is scheduled to begin after the London Marathon to avoid unnecessary disruption during the busy event period. A public information campaign will be launched ahead of the closure to advise regular passengers.
Once complete, the upgraded station will offer a more accessible, reliable, and sustainable travel experience for thousands of passengers using the busy DLR stop in the heart of Greenwich.
