The Blackheath and Charlton rail tunnel, dating back to 1849, will undergo a crucial ten-week closure for repairs, starting from May 18 to July 27, 2025. This closure follows previous work last summer, which focused on cleaning soot, surveying, and replacing bricks to combat leaks. Trains that typically run through the tunnel will be rerouted via Greenwich, which offers a slight service enhancement for affected passengers. Essential infrastructure improvements will include new drainage systems and track repairs to enhance reliability and alleviate disruptions in the future.
The closure will mean the rail link between Blackheath and Charlton will be closed, and trains that usually run between Dartford and Cannon Street via Lewisham will be diverted to run between Greenwich instead.
While the tunnel is safe, the leaks and very wet conditions inside it damage track and electrical equipment, causing delays and speed restrictions.
The work is needed because the one-mile-long tunnel, which opened in 1849, is prone to leaks and water damage. The tunnel's brickwork is affected by the freezing and thawing of rainwater which filters through the ground into the tunnel.
Over the course of the entire programme of works, Network Rail will replace thousands of bricks and install a new tunnel lining to stop water leaking into the tunnel.
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