Shoppers and revellers making final preparations for Christmas in London are being warned of significant travel disruption on the weekend of December 20 and 21. Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed a series of planned closures on the Overground and Docklands Light Railway, essential for network maintenance.
London Overground Part-Closures This Sunday
The most widespread disruption will affect the London Overground network this Sunday, December 21. Three separate lines will see partial suspensions to allow Network Rail engineers to carry out vital preservation work on the tracks. This work is scheduled for both morning and overnight periods.
On the Lioness line, there will be no service between Euston and Kilburn High Road until midday, and again after 8.30pm. Passengers are advised to use London Underground services or local bus routes as alternatives.
The Mildmay line will be suspended between Camden Road and Stratford after 10.15pm. Tube services and local or replacement buses will be available. Transport bosses have also confirmed that a major section of this line will be shut over the Christmas and New Year period, with no trains stopping between Gospel Oak and Richmond or Shepherd's Bush from December 25 until January 4.
Finally, the Weaver line will have no service between Liverpool Street and Enfield Town, Cheshunt, and Chingford until 10.15am. Again, travellers should seek alternative Tube services or bus routes.
DLR and Festive Period Disruption
Separately, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) will also be affected. On Sunday, December 21, there will be no service between Tower Gateway and Shadwell due to third-party engineering works. Local bus routes will serve affected passengers.
These weekend works precede longer planned closures over the festive period and into January and February. Network Rail has stated that work, such as replacing worn track switches and crossings in areas like Kensal Green, is crucial to ensure services run "efficiently and safely" in the long term.
Tube Network Runs Normally This Weekend
In a small piece of good news for travellers, the London Underground network is expected to run normally across both Saturday and Sunday, with no planned closures. This contrasts sharply with the scheduled full shutdown on Christmas Day and the expected alterations on New Year's Eve.
Passengers are strongly urged to check the latest TfL travel advice before embarking on any journeys this weekend, and to allow extra time for their trips during what is traditionally one of the busiest shopping periods of the year.
