Southend East Passengers Warned Of Longer Routes During Accessibility Works

Passengers using Southend East station are being advised to expect temporary changes to station access from June 2026 as work continues on plans to make the station step-free.

GBR Anglia will begin altering station entrance arrangements to support the installation of new power supplies and systems needed for future lifts. The work forms part of a wider accessibility upgrade intended to improve access for passengers.

The project is being delivered by c2c, Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia as part of Anglia’s integrated railway approach, which is designed to bring track and train teams closer together and improve planning and coordination across the region.

During the temporary arrangements, passengers will use the southern entrance to reach Platform 1 for London-bound services. Those travelling from Platform 2 towards Shoeburyness will need to use the existing station footbridge.

Passengers are being warned that walking routes will be slightly longer while the work is taking place, and are advised to allow extra time when planning journeys.

Southend East station will also close to customers on two weekends while the works are carried out:

• Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June 2026

• Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June 2026

During those closures, rail replacement buses will run between Leigh-on-Sea and Shoeburyness. Passengers should allow additional time to complete their journeys.

Riviera Drive, the road in front of the station, will be temporarily closed from 11 June to 16 June so materials can be delivered for the works. A short diversion route will be in place.

The temporary access arrangements will remain in place until further notice. The northern entrance is expected to reopen once this stage of the programme has been completed, with a confirmed date to be announced later.

Joe Kennedy, infrastructure director for GBR Anglia, said:

“These works form an important part of delivering accessibility improvements at Southend East station. The underground power and systems installation is essential to support the new lifts, and the temporary arrangements allow us to carry out this crucial phase of the project safely. This is one of the enabling stages needed to create space for the new lifts and replacement footbridge, so passengers may start to see more visible changes at the station as the project moves forward.”

Image: Network Rail