VolkerRail set to deliver largest track renewal scheme of the control period for the Southern Renewals Enterprise
VolkerRail is preparing to deliver one of the largest track renewal schemes in the current control period, as part of the Southern Renewals Enterprise (SRE), with a major programme of works planned at London Charing Cross and Waterloo East this summer
From Sunday 26 July to Sunday 16 August 2026, both stations will close to allow engineers to carry out a £20 million programme of essential improvements.
Working as the track delivery partner for SRE, VolkerRail will upgrade nearly two kilometres of 36 year old track - critical infrastructure on one of the busiest parts of the network, while sister company VolkerFitzpatrick will rebuild sections of platforms at Charing Cross.
This concentrated blockade allows the work to be delivered more efficiently, reducing the need for a significantly higher number of weekend closures and helping to minimise overall disruption.
The investment will modernise the infrastructure on one of the most important sections of the South Eastern Railway network, helping to deliver an even safer and more reliable railway.
As part of the preparation phase, VolkerRail has already installed 1,645 metres of new conductor rail to site using a Rail Delivery Train, marking a significant milestone ahead of construction.
Rob Faux, VolkerRail’s track partner lead for SRE, said “This is one of the most complex and high profile renewals schemes we will deliver in this control period.
“Working as part of the Southern Renewals Enterprise, we are bringing together specialist teams, detailed planning and early site preparation to ensure we are ready to deliver at scale once the blockade begins.
“Our teams have already put a huge amount of work into planning and preparing for the blockade, and that early progress is key to making sure we can deliver safely and efficiently once we’re on site.”
Transport changes
During the station closures, no trains will call at London Charing Cross or Waterloo East. Southeastern services that normally run into Charing Cross will be diverted to:
- London Victoria
- London Cannon Street
- London Blackfriars
- Some services will terminate at London Bridge
Scott Brightwell, train services director, for South Eastern Railway, said: “The £20 million investment we are delivering will see 1990s track and platforms upgraded to make journeys safer and more reliable, and Victorian era structures strengthened to remain fit for the future.
“By consolidating the work into a 22 day closure, supported by preparation and follow up weekends, we can complete the work more quickly and with less disruption overall than the alternative options of 60 weekend closures or four to five 9-day closures.
“We have planned the closure for the summer, when passenger numbers are around 20 per cent lower and schools are closed, to help manage the impact on customers.
“We’re asking passengers to plan ahead and check before they travel”.
The project forms part of a wider programme of renewals being delivered through the Southern Renewals Enterprise to improve performance and resilience across the network.