Blackheath tunnel to shut for 10-week repair

A rail tunnel in south-east London which is prone to leaks and water damage will close on Sunday for 10 weeks.

It is the second such closure within a year and means Southeastern trains between Charlton and Blackheath, which would usually use the mile-long Blackheath tunnel (about 1.5km), will be diverted via Greenwich until 27 July.

Network Rail said the £10m repair work would see thousands of bricks replaced, new lining added and drainage systems rebuilt. It thanked customers "for bearing with us".

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."

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.

Mr Davidson 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.

"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."

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