Two London stations re-open after works completed

London Charing Cross and Waterloo East will re-open on Monday following a three-week closure for an engineering project.

Train services across the Southeastern network had been unable to call at the two central London stations between 26 July and 16 August while improvements were made to the track, ends of platforms and drainage.

The closure also allowed for structural repairs to Hungerford Bridge, which takes the railway over the Thames and provides two pedestrian footbridges.

While services will return to normal at the two stations on 17 August, a further closure is planned on 23 August so that engineers can ensure the works were completed successfully.

During the works, some 1.8km (1.1 miles) of track were laid and 16 sets of switches and crossings, which allow trains to move from one track to another, were installed between Charing Cross and Waterloo East, replacing rail equipment that has been used for 36 years.

The ends of the platforms at Charing Cross nearest to Hungerford Bridge were rebuilt with new foundations.

And Waterloo East had its track drainage upgraded in order "to maintain track quality and a smooth ride at full line speed for passengers".

Network Rail says recent faults on the line had "caused over 21,000 minutes (350 hours) of delays to customers".

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