Significant rail closures across south-east London and Kent this weekend will require passengers to use replacement bus services on multiple routes.
Southeastern Railway is implementing planned engineering works on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March as part of essential maintenance to improve the railway network’s reliability and safety. The disruptions will affect services across south-east London and Kent, with all lines closed at certain locations during the work period.
In south-east London, the Lewisham area will experience the most significant disruption, with no train services running all weekend. Passengers requiring access to this station should use accessible replacement bus services, which will operate between New Cross and Dartford via Bexleyheath. On Sunday 22 March only, additional bus replacement services will operate via Beckenham Junction for passengers travelling through the affected area.
In Kent, engineering work will take place between Paddock Wood and Ashford International on Sunday 22 March, with bus replacement services available throughout the disruption. Early morning services between Dover Priory and Canterbury East will also be affected from the early hours of Sunday, with replacement buses operating until 06:30. The first train from Dover Priory will depart at 07:18.
Southeastern Railway advises all passengers to plan ahead and check their journey before travelling. Replacement buses may be busier than usual, and journeys will take longer than normal rail travel. Passengers are encouraged to download the Southeastern app or use the journey planner for the most up-to-date information about their specific route and times.
Key Information
- Lewisham station closed all weekend (21-22 March) with buses replacing trains via Bexleyheath
- Sunday 22 March: replacement buses available via Beckenham Junction and between Paddock Wood and Ashford International
- Early morning disruptions Sunday 22 March between Dover Priory and Canterbury East; buses operate until 06:30
- Allow extra time for journeys as replacement bus services may be busier than usual
- Check Southeastern app or journey planner before travelling for latest updates


