Crystal Palace track upgrade

We are undertaking major track upgrade at Crystal Palace in August, replacing five sets of switches and crossings, the moveable rails that allow trains to transfer between lines.

new track close up with engineers in orange PPE working in the background

What work is taking place?

The work will see the old, unreliable track and equipment replaced with new kit to help reduce trains delays and improve passenger journeys.

The work in numbers

The work will: 

  • Replace around 1500 metres of rail 
  • 2700 tonnes of new ballast 
  • 730 metres of new conductor rail 
  • 950 sleepers with approximately 250 switches and crossings bearers 
  • 33 track panels  
  • an additional 4000 meters of new signalling and telecom cables installed.  

When is the work taking place?

This project will start from Saturday 24 August and run to Sunday 1 September 2024.

How will this work affect me?

Whilst the work is taking place, for 9 days from Saturday 24 August to Sunday 1 September there will be no Southern trains at West Norwood, Gipsy Hill, Birkbeck and Beckenham Junction stations .

The work will also impact trains at stations from Streatham Hill to Norwood Junction / Sydenham.  

There will be a reduced Southern service through Peckham Rye, East Dulwich, North Dulwich, Tulse Hill, Norwood Junction and West Croydon stations. 

At Crystal Palace there will be no Southern or London Overground trains from Saturday 24 August to Monday 26 August. Between Tuesday 27 and Friday 30 August Southern services will run to and from London Bridge via Sydenham and Brockley, but there will be no Southern services to or from Streatham Hill and Victoria. On Saturday 31 August and Sunday 1 September there will be no Southern services to or from Crystal Palace.

Please plan ahead and use London Buses, London Underground or alternative National Rail services.  

Check before you travel

Check trains times on the National Rail website and plan alternative routes on TfL from the end of July. For further information about the impacts of this work on train services, please visit the Southern website.

Why is the work needed?

The new upgrade will help reduce trains delays and improve passenger journeys.  

Get in touch

If you have any questions, please call our dedicated 24-hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or visit our contact us page.