Rail passengers across London are being urged to plan their journeys carefully this weekend as major engineering works are set to cause significant disruption on key routes between London Waterloo and Clapham Junction. South Western Railway (SWR) has announced that the work, scheduled for Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February, will impact numerous services, leading to closures and altered stopping patterns.
Scope of the Engineering Works
This weekend's disruption follows on from extensive track, signalling, and electrical upgrades that were carried out over the Christmas and New Year period. As part of the ongoing project, several lines between Waterloo and Clapham Junction will be closed, affecting both suburban and long-distance routes. Queenstown Road station will remain closed throughout the entire weekend, while some trains will bypass stops at Earlsfield and Vauxhall, necessitating careful journey planning for commuters.
Affected Suburban Routes
On SWR's suburban network, services between Waterloo and destinations such as Chessington South, Dorking, Guildford, Hampton Court, Kingston, Richmond, Shepperton, Weybridge, Windsor & Eton Riverside, and Woking will experience disruptions. Passengers travelling to these areas should expect delays and possible cancellations, with some services being rerouted or replaced by alternative transport options.
Long-Distance Service Changes
Long-distance services will not be spared from the impact, with alterations to trains running between London Waterloo and key destinations including Alton, Basingstoke, Poole, Portsmouth Harbour, Reading, and Salisbury. These changes may involve revised stopping patterns or reduced frequency, so travellers are advised to check specific timetables in advance.
Detailed Weekend Disruption
Saturday 31 January: Several services, including routes to Reading, Windsor & Eton Riverside, Weybridge (via Staines), and services via Richmond and Wimbledon, will start and finish at Clapham Junction instead of Waterloo. Additionally, stopping patterns on services to Basingstoke and Salisbury will be adjusted, potentially leading to longer journey times.
Sunday 1 February: The disruption intensifies on Sunday, with more services terminating at Clapham Junction. Some afternoon and evening trains, such as those to Kingston via Hounslow, Portsmouth, and Poole, will not run at all. Other routes, including Chessington South, Exeter, Hampton Court, and Dorking, will be curtailed or replaced by alternative services, further complicating travel plans.
Advice for Passengers
SWR has warned that journeys may take longer than usual, and customers should allow extra time for their travels. Peter Williams, SWR's customer and commercial director, emphasised that the work is being conducted on "one of the busiest parts of our network" and is expected to result in "fewer delays and a more reliable railway" once completed. Passengers are strongly recommended to use the SWR journey planner before setting out to ensure they have the most up-to-date information on service changes and alternatives.
This weekend's engineering works highlight the ongoing efforts to improve rail infrastructure in London, but they also underscore the importance of advance planning for those reliant on these vital transport links. With multiple routes affected and some stations closed, commuters and leisure travellers alike should prepare for a challenging travel experience and consider adjusting their schedules accordingly.
