Blackheath tunnel to shut again for 10-week repair

A rail tunnel in south-east London will close for 10 weeks for the second time within a year, Network Rail has said.

Southeastern trains between Charlton and Blackheath, which would usually use the mile-long Blackheath tunnel (about 1.5km), will be diverted via Greenwich between 18 May and 27 July.

Network Rail said the £10m repair work was "incredibly difficult" on this "cramped and narrow tunnel", which is prone to leaks and water damage.

David Davidson, Network Rail's Kent route director, said: "We are sorry for the inconvenience caused by the closure, but this is a long-term project and this will be the last closure until we are back in to finish over summer 2027."

He added: "We know there's never a good time to close the railway, and that changes to services for a 10-week period is a long time.

"When the tunnel is repaired with water-damaged infrastructure replaced and the tunnel waterproofed, passengers will benefit from fewer delays, fewer speed restrictions and improved reliability."

There will be no replacement buses but paper tickets will be accepted on routes 54, 380 and SL3.

Taxis will be provided for passengers with accessible needs for travel between Blackheath and Charlton.

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