Rail passengers across South London and Sussex are advised to plan ahead over the late May bank holiday weekend as Network Rail undertakes a coordinated series of infrastructure upgrades from Saturday 24 to Monday 26 May 2025.
The works, covering multiple sites on the Southern and Thameslink networks, include tunnel repairs, track renewals, signalling upgrades, and drainage improvements. These projects form part of Network Rail’s ongoing programme to improve the reliability, safety, and accessibility of the region’s rail infrastructure.
Blackheath Tunnel and Lewisham Signalling
One of the major projects underway is the continued repair of the 175-year-old Blackheath tunnel. Simultaneously, accessibility improvements and rail replacement works are taking place at Hither Green station, with a mile of new rail being laid.
Signalling systems at Lewisham are being upgraded, alongside rail refurbishments at Chislehurst. These works necessitate the closure of routes via Lewisham, including the lines between Lewisham and Orpington, and Lewisham and Sidcup, for the entire weekend.
Replacement bus services will operate as follows:
- Lewisham – Orpington: calling at all stations, including Sundridge Park
- Lewisham – Sidcup: calling at all stations
- Grove Park – Bromley North: non-stop (except Sunday)
Edenbridge Tunnel and Uckfield Line Maintenance
Further south, Network Rail will carry out essential maintenance on the Oxted to Uckfield route. This includes repairs to the Edenbridge tunnel, refurbishment of switches and crossings at Ashurst, over a kilometre of new rail laid at Edenbridge Town, and drainage improvements throughout the line.
All lines between Oxted and Uckfield will be closed, with replacement bus services operating between:
- Oxted – Crowborough
- Crowborough – Uckfield
Train services between London Bridge and Oxted (Saturday and Monday) and East Croydon and Oxted (Sunday) will run to a reduced and amended timetable. East Grinstead line services may be used as an alternative, with tickets accepted at no extra cost.
Track Maintenance Between Three Bridges and Horsham
On Sunday 25 May, track maintenance between Three Bridges and Horsham will close all lines in the area. Southern will operate replacement buses between the two stations, while Thameslink services will not run on this route. Passengers may use Southern’s replacement bus services without additional charge.
Additionally, Southern services between London Victoria and Portsmouth Harbour will operate to an amended timetable and be diverted via Hove. These trains will join or divide with Littlehampton services at Worthing.
Passenger Advice
Network Rail’s Sussex Route Director, Lucy McAuliffe, reiterated that while most of the network remains open, the bank holiday weekend provides a vital opportunity for engineering teams to access infrastructure for critical upgrades.
Passengers are strongly encouraged to check revised timetables and plan ahead using online journey planners or operator websites.
