This weekend, on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 January, there will be no train services to or from Charing Cross, Waterloo East, and Cannon Street. This is due to the commencement of a major project to install a new signalling system in the busy Lewisham area.
The project involves replacing all existing signalling equipment in Lewisham with new, more reliable technology. This upgrade aims to reduce faults and delays for passengers traveling in southeast London and towards Kent.
Over the next two years, the new system will be installed alongside the current one. It will be fully operational following an extended railway closure during Christmas 2026.
Additionally, Automatic Route Setting (ARS) software will be implemented at the Three Bridges Rail Operating Centre, which manages train signalling in the area. This advanced technology will enable signallers to control train movements more efficiently. The signalling layout and signal positions will also be adjusted to enhance line speeds.
David Davidson, Kent route director, Network Rail, said: “The Lewisham area is among the busiest and most congested parts of the country’s rail network. More than a third of Southeastern trains pass through Lewisham each day. Any fault or delay in this area has a major impact on services in south east London and out to Kent.
“This £90 million investment in new signalling will reduce signalling related delays and support a more reliable service for all passengers.”
"We have just completed major signalling upgrades in the Tulse Hill, Peckham Rye and Crystal Palace areas. A major signalling upgrade of the lines from Battersea, up to Herne Hill, Brixton, Bellingham and Nunhead is set to be completed over the next year.
“Collectively, these projects bring our signalling investment in south London up to nearly half a billion pounds in recent years and demonstrate our commitment to upgrading old and less reliable infrastructure to improve the railway for our passengers”.