South London rail passengers asked to plan ahead as upgrade work affects services for nine days including over the August Bank Holiday weekend

Network Rail have issued the following press release about extensive track replacement that will affect train services in parts of South London for nine days in late August:

• Major track upgrade will affect train services across parts of south London

Passengers in the Crystal Palace area are advised to plan ahead if travelling from Saturday 24 August to Sunday 1 September as Network Rail carry out a major track upgrade.

Five sets of switches and crossings, the moveable rails that allow trains to transfer between lines, and 1500m of track will be replaced with brand new equipment.

The work will help reduce train delays and improve passenger journeys.

While the work is taking place, from Saturday 24 August to Sunday 1 September, there will be no Southern trains at West Norwood, Gipsy Hill, Birkbeck and Beckenham Junction stations.

No trains will run to or from Crystal Palace on Saturday 24, Sunday 25 or Monday 26 August. The work will also impact trains at stations from Streatham Hill to Norwood Junction and Sydenham.  There will also be a reduced Southern service through Peckham Rye, East Dulwich, North Dulwich, Tulse Hill, Norwood Junction and West Croydon stations. 

Passengers will be able to use their tickets on London Underground, London Overground and London Buses.

The project in numbers:

• Five new sets of switches and crossings
• Replacement around 1,500 metres of rail  
• Installing 730 metres of new conductor rail – the third rail that powers trains
• Installing an additional 4,000 metres of new signalling and telecom cables.

Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail’s Sussex Route Director, said: “Upgraded track and equipment at the busy Crystal Palace junction which controls the movement of trains across south London will help reduce train delays and improve passenger journeys. 

“We're advising people to plan ahead and use London Buses, London Underground or alternative National Rail services. Please check before you travel and thanks for bearing with us while this essential work is carried out. “

Chris Fowler, Network Operations and Performance Director for Govia Thameslink Railway which operates Southern trains said: “This is major work that will deliver long-term improvements for our customers but create a significant impact in the short-term.

“Please plan ahead and consider your alternative travel arrangements with London Overground, the Tube and London Buses.”

People are asked to check train times at www.nationalrail.co.uk and plan alternative routes at www.tfl.gov.uk