Passengers travelling on the Weaver line and Greater Anglia services via Seven Sisters are being urged to plan ahead as Network Rail undertakes a major programme of infrastructure renewals across two consecutive weekends in September.
Essential engineering work between Bethnal Green and Cheshunt/Enfield Town will take place on 19-20 September and 26-27 September 2026, resulting in the closure of the route while teams carry out a range of improvements designed to enhance long-term reliability and reduce future disruption.
The programme includes significant overhead line renewals, track replacements, structural maintenance and preparatory works for future station enhancements.
Extensive Renewals Planned
During the closures, Network Rail will:
- Carry out extensive overhead line renewals, replacing ageing wires, structures and concrete foundations to improve reliability and reduce the risk of future failures.
- Replace sections of worn track between Turkey Street and Theobalds Grove.
- Undertake vital maintenance activities, including vegetation management and inspections of railway structures and equipment.
- Complete repairs to the Cadent gas pipe bridge at Stoke Newington, making use of the possession to avoid the need for separate future disruptions.
- Prepare for future platform improvement works at Seven Sisters station.
The works form part of Network Rail's ongoing investment programme aimed at maintaining a safe, resilient and dependable railway for passengers across north and east London.
Impact on London Overground Services
London Overground services will not operate between Bethnal Green and Cheshunt/Enfield Town during the affected weekends, with all stations along this section of route closed.
Rail replacement bus services will operate throughout the closures to support passenger journeys.
Customers travelling between Bethnal Green and Cheshunt can use an alternative route by changing at Hackney Downs and connecting with Greater Anglia services running to and from Cheshunt via Tottenham Hale.
Passengers travelling to events at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, including the Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa fixture on 19 September and the BIGBANG concert on 26 September, are advised to allow extra time and check journey planners before travelling.
Greater Anglia Diversions
Greater Anglia services that would normally operate via Seven Sisters will instead be diverted via Tottenham Hale on both affected weekends.
Passengers are encouraged to check the latest journey information before travelling and leave additional time for their journeys.
Industry Reaction
Joe Kennedy, Infrastructure Director for Network Rail Anglia, said:
"This work is part of our ongoing programme to renew and maintain the railway between Bethnal Green and Cheshunt/Enfield Town, helping to keep the route reliable and fit for the future."
"Bringing this work together over two weekends means our teams can carry out a significant amount of work safely and efficiently, while avoiding the need for further closures, and we'll work with our partners to minimise disruption.
"I’d like to thank all our customers for their patience while we carry out this important work."
Rory O'Neill, TfL's General Manager for London Overground, said:
"These essential engineering works will help improve the long-term reliability of the Weaver line. We appreciate that the closures will cause some disruption and are working closely with our partners to minimise the impact on passengers.
"Customers travelling on the affected weekends should plan ahead, check their journey before setting off and allow extra time to travel."
Image credit: Network Rail
