Passengers are being advised of significant changes to train services between Clapham Junction, Willesden, and Watford Junction from Saturday 25 October, as Network Rail carries out urgent renewal work at Mitre Bridge level crossing. The four-day closure, taking place over the October half-term school holidays, will allow engineers to work around the clock to replace rail, sleepers, drainage systems, and essential equipment at the crossing. The crossing will be closed to motorists from 1:40am on Saturday 25 October until 5:15am on Wednesday 29 October.

The level crossing, which has reached the end of its design life, is being upgraded to secure its long-term future, maintain safe and reliable operations for both passengers and freight services, and remove an existing speed restriction on the line. Additional works include the renewal of 2,000 metres of high-voltage power cables between Clapham Junction and West Brompton, as well as track maintenance and the upgrade of points at Kensington Olympia, which allow trains to switch between tracks.

Gary Walsh, director for Network Rail’s West Coast South route, said: “I’d like to thank passengers, freight customers and local businesses in advance for their patience while we carry out this important work to keep Mitre Bridge level crossing safe and reliable for years to come. To complete our work safely, we need to close the railway for four days between 25 and 28 October. We're asking London Overground and Southern passengers to plan their journeys in advance and check before travelling.”

Rory O’Neill, TfL’s General Manager for London Overground, added: “This essential infrastructure work by Network Rail is crucial to maintaining the safety and reliability of London Overground services for the long term. I apologise for any inconvenience and recommend planning ahead, checking your journey before you travel, and allowing extra time while these improvements are underway."

Jenny Saunders, Southern’s Customer Service Director, said: “I know these works will mean some journeys through west London will be disrupted over the October half term, but they’ll also bring long-term reliability for key infrastructure which our services rely on through West London for plenty of half terms to come. If you’re planning to travel between October 25 and 28, we’ve got ticket acceptance in place with buses and other train operators to help you get where you need to be, and I encourage passengers to check online before travelling.”

Image: Network Rail