A south-east London rail tunnel that frequently faces problems has closed for another round of repairs on Sunday.
Southeastern trains between Charlton and Blackheath, which typically travel the mile-long (about 1.5-kilometre) Blackheath tunnel, will now travel via Greenwich until July 27.
On the bus routes 54, 380, and SL3, paper tickets will be accepted in place of replacement buses. For those who require accessible transportation between Blackheath and Charlton, taxis will be available.
The £10 million repair project, according to Network Rail, involves rebuilding drainage systems, adding new lining, and replacing thousands of bricks.
David Davidson, Network Rail's Kent route director, said: "We are carrying out the repairs over a series of 10-week closures because working in cramped and narrow tunnels is incredibly difficult.
“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.
“These essential repairs will improve the safety and operation of the tunnel. If traditional weekend working was used engineers would spend at least 50% of a weekend bringing materials and plant in and out of the tunnel, leaving limited time for actual work.”
Over the past year, Southeastern passengers have experienced delays totalling around 1,000 minutes due to the tunnel, which was first constructed in 1849.
To prevent water from seeping into the tunnel, the renovations will include putting in a new tunnel lining and replacing thousands of bricks.
Essential track repair, such as removing “wet beds”—waterlogged portions of rail that make train trips bumpy—and rebuilding drainage systems will also be done.
Passengers will experience reduced delays, fewer speed limits, and increased dependability once the tunnel is fixed and water-damaged infrastructure is replaced.
During the closure, services that typically travel via the tunnel will be rerouted via alternate routes. However, there will be fewer Cannon Street services making stops at St Johns and New Cross as a result of the diversion.
Mr Davison added: “We are running extra services on the Woolwich line for connections to the Docklands Light Railway and the Elizabeth line, and there are also extra services on the Bexleyheath line.
“Rail tickets can also be used at no extra cost on some local bus routes, with full details available on the Southeastern website.”
Although rail replacement buses won't be available, travellers can still travel for free on selected Transport for London bus routes.
