Train services set to be disrupted from May 18 to July 27 as major works begin
A 10-week closure of the Blackheath tunnel is set to cause significant disruption to rail services this summer, as Network Rail embarks on a £10 million repair project to restore the ageing Victorian-era infrastructure.
The tunnel, which runs between Blackheath and Charlton, will be shut from May 18 to July 27, with train services diverted via Greenwich to accommodate the essential engineering works.
The closure is part of a long-term project to fix the 175-year-old tunnel, which suffers from persistent leaks and water damage caused by rainwater seeping into the structure. The freezing and thawing process further impacts the tunnel’s brickwork, contributing to track faults, damaged electrical equipment, and delays.
Although the tunnel remains structurally safe, Network Rail says the wet conditions are responsible for frequent delays and operational challenges. In 2024 alone, tunnel-related faults caused around 1,000 minutes of delay to Southeastern passengers.
"This will be the last closure until summer 2027"
David Davidson, Network Rail’s Kent route director, said:
"We know there’s never a good time to close the railway, and that changes to services for a 10-week period is a long time.
We are carrying out the repairs over a series of 10-week closures because working in cramped and narrow tunnels is incredibly difficult.
We are sorry for the inconvenience caused by the closure, but this is a long-term project and this will be the last closure until we are back in to finish over summer 2027."
Once repairs are complete, passengers can expect fewer delays, fewer speed restrictions, and improved service reliability.
Service Changes and Alternatives
Southeastern has confirmed that services from Dartford to Cannon Street (via Charlton and Lewisham) will instead run via Greenwich, with additional stops at Westcombe Park, Maze Hill, Greenwich, and Deptford. Passengers can connect to the DLR from Greenwich to Lewisham, adding around seven minutes to journey times.
Other services will be diverted via the Bexleyheath line, with additional services provided to support capacity.
There will be no rail replacement buses, but Southeastern passengers will be able to use selected Transport for London bus routes at no extra cost. Passengers with accessibility needs can request taxi transport between Blackheath and Charlton.
Tunnel Overhaul: What’s Being Fixed?
The extensive repairs will include:
- Thousands of bricks replaced
- New tunnel lining installed to prevent leaks
- Rebuilt drainage systems
- Track work including removal of ‘wet beds’, which cause bumpy train rides
Supporting Passenger Journeys
Scott Brightwell, Southeastern’s operations and safety director, said:
"We are working ever closer with our Alliance partner Network Rail to deliver better journeys, and these essential repairs will improve the safety and operation of the tunnel.
I want to thank customers for bearing with us during the closure and there are a number of alternative travel options."
He added that extra services will operate on the Woolwich and Bexleyheath lines, and rail tickets will be accepted on certain local bus routes.
"Full details are available on our website."
Approximately 3,500 passengers per week travel to stations between Lewisham and Abbey Wood through the Blackheath tunnel. Network Rail hopes that the short-term disruption will bring long-term benefits to reliability, safety, and journey quality.
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