Transport for London (TfL) has announced a significant two-month partial closure for a key Piccadilly line station, confirming the exact start date for the disruption.
Station to Operate as Exit-Only
From Monday, 6 January 2026, Southgate station in North London will become an exit-only stop. This change is due to essential maintenance work on one of the station's two escalators. The partial closure is scheduled to last until the middle of March.
During this period, passengers will not be able to enter the station to access Piccadilly Line services. The remaining escalator will be set to operate in the upwards direction only to facilitate exits.
Alternative Travel Arrangements Advised
TfL has outlined specific bus routes for commuters needing to reach other Tube stations. For passengers travelling north, the recommended service is the 121 bus to Oakwood station, or the 298 bus to Cockfosters.
Those heading south can use the following options:
- The 298 or 382 bus to Arnos Grove station.
- The W6 bus to Palmers Green, which offers direct National Rail services to Finsbury Park and Moorgate.
Richard Jones, TfL’s director of asset performance delivery, apologised for the impending disruption. He stated: “Essential maintenance work to one of the station’s escalators means that customers will not be able to access Piccadilly Line services at Southgate for this period. The work will ensure ongoing safety, provide better reliability and reduce the risk of longer unplanned closures.”
Passenger Reaction and Official Guidance
The planned closure has already sparked frustration among regular commuters. More than 1,100 people have signed a petition urging TfL to consider making the station entry-only during the morning peak and revert to exit-only for the evening rush, in an attempt to lessen the impact on daily routines.
TfL is strongly advising all affected customers to plan their journeys in advance. The authority recommends using the TfL journey planner or the TfL Go app to find the best alternative routes during the two-month works. The partial shutdown is deemed necessary to guarantee long-term safety and reliability of the station's infrastructure.
