A new signalling system will be implemented in the heavily-used Lewisham area. (Image: Getty)
A major £90 million project to upgrade the signalling system on the UK’s most congested railway is set to transform journeys for Southeastern passengers.
The Lewisham area, a key hub for over a third of Southeastern trains, will undergo a comprehensive re-signalling program to improve reliability and reduce delays for passengers travelling across southeast London and into Kent.
The upgrade involves replacing all existing signalling equipment with cutting-edge technology, including Automatic Route Setting (ARS) software.
This system, controlled by the Three Bridges Rail Operating Centre, will enable signallers to manage train movements more efficiently, reducing the likelihood of faults and delays.
Signal positions and the layout of tracks will also be modified to allow for faster train speeds.
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Lewisham is only of the most congested stations in the country. (Image: Getty)
David Davidson, Kent route director for Network Rail, said: “The Lewisham area is among the busiest and most congested parts of the country’s rail network.
“Any fault or delay in this area has a major impact on services in southeast London and out to Kent. This £90 million investment will reduce signalling-related delays and support a more reliable service for all passengers.”
The new system will be installed alongside the existing one over the next two years, with the final switchover planned during an extended closure of the railway at Christmas 2026.
The first major closures to accommodate the work took place on the weekend of January 20–21, with no trains running to or from Charing Cross, Waterloo East, or Cannon Street. Services were diverted to London Victoria, while New Cross and St Johns stations were closed entirely.
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Further weekend closures are expected as the project progresses, and passengers are encouraged to check journey planners and Southeastern’s app or website for updates.
Scott Brightwell, Southeastern’s Operations and Safety Director said: “We understand that any disruption to our services can be frustrating, and we thank customers for bearing with us while this vital improvement work is carried out.
“Upgrading the signalling system in the Lewisham area will help us reduce delays and deliver better journeys.”
The Lewisham project is part of a £500 million investment in rail infrastructure across south London in recent years. Network Rail has already completed upgrades in Tulse Hill, Peckham Rye, and Crystal Palace, with further improvements ongoing in areas including Battersea, Brixton, and Bellingham.
This significant investment demonstrates Network Rail’s commitment to modernizing one of the UK’s busiest railway corridors. The improvements aim to alleviate congestion, reduce delays, and provide passengers with a more efficient and reliable service.
Passengers are advised to plan for upcoming closures and service changes as the project progresses.