This weekend marks the start of one of the largest and most complex projects being delivered as part of the Southern Renewals Enterprise.
From Sunday 26 July to Sunday 16 August, VolkerRail will work around the clock during the 22 day closure of London Charing Cross and Waterloo East stations to deliver a major programme of renewals and upgrades across one of the busiest sections of the railway.
The scheme represents one of the biggest track renewal programmes being delivered on the South Eastern network during the current control period (CP7).
The blockade forms part of a wider multi-million pound investment programme across Charing Cross and Waterloo East, with approximately £20 million of works being delivered during the closure.
During the 22 day blockade, VolkerRail will deliver 1,800 metres of plain line track renewal, a switch and crossing (S&C) renewal, replace 16 point ends, coordinate 44 engineering trains, install 8,640 tonnes of new ballast and 3,300 sleepers, remove 7,344 tonnes of spoil and undertake 15 tamping shifts.
The works will replace sections of track that are up to 36 years old, helping to improve the safety, reliability and resilience of this critical route.
The works build on extensive preparation carried out in advance of the blockade, including the installation of more than 1,600 metres of new conductor rail, ensuring teams are ready to maximise the available access and deliver the programme safely and efficiently.
Alongside the track renewals, sister company VolkerFitzpatrick will be undertaking a major platform transformation at Charing Cross station alongside grit blasting and repainting works to Hungerford Bridge and a programme of refurbishment works at Waterloo East station, helping to enhance the long-term performance and appearance of critical railway infrastructure. In parallel, Network Rail will undertake track works on Hungerford Bridge.
The project demonstrates the Southern Renewals Enterprise's integrated delivery model in action, bringing together Network Rail and delivery partners to plan and execute complex renewals more efficiently, reducing the need for a significantly greater number of future possessions and closures.
Paul Jones, VolkerRail’s Major Projects director, said: "This is one of the most significant renewals projects we will deliver this control period and a fantastic example of what can be achieved through collaboration, detailed planning and integrated delivery.
"Over the past several months, our teams have worked tirelessly to prepare for this blockade, ensuring we are ready to make the most of every available hour on site. A huge thank you goes to everyone. The commitment, expertise and collaboration shown across VolkerRail, VolkerFitzpatrick, Network Rail and the wider ecosystem have laid the foundations for the successful delivery of this major programme of works.”
Customers should plan ahead and check their full journey before travelling, including the time of their last train, as no trains will call at Charing Cross or Waterloo East during the closure. For more information, visit: TWO WEEKS TO GO: Major London stations close as railway carries out £20m upgrade this summer
Once complete, these renewals will help provide a safer, more reliable railway for passengers and freight customers across the Southern Region for many years to come.
