Major engineering work to disrupt train services from Berkshire & north Hampshire
The work is taking place over Christmas outside Waterloo
Train services into and out of London Waterloo from Reading, Basingstoke and Andover will be disrupted from Saturday 27 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026 as engineers carry out vital upgrades near Queenstown Road.
National Rail say the work will improve safety and reliability on one of the country’s busiest railways.
More than 350 engineers will renew track, switches and crossings, and conductor rail between Queenstown Road and Nine Elms junction. Platforms at Queenstown Road station will also be altered to fit the new track layout. The programme will strengthen the railway’s foundations with new ballast and sleepers and improve electric power delivery to trains.
Early notice
Speaking on behalf of Network Rail and South Western Railway, Mark Goodall, Wessex route director said: “We are giving passengers early notice that there will be changes to train services for those travelling to and from central London over the festive period. We are advising passengers to plan ahead and use alternative routes into the capital. We are sorry for the disruption this closure between London Waterloo and Clapham Junction will cause however these works will provide a more reliable journey for everyone who travels on one of the country’s busiest railways .”
Changes to train services
On Christmas Day and Boxing Day there will be no train services as normal.
No trains will call at London Waterloo from Saturday 27 to Sunday 28 December with trains terminating at Clapham Junction.
From Monday 29 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January, timetable reductions will be in place. Timetables will be available from 3 October.
Queenstown Road station will be closed from Saturday 27 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026
Vauxhall station will be closed from Saturday 27 December to Tuesday 30 December 2025, and on 1 January 2026. Trains will call at Vauxhall on New Years Eve, and from 2 January onwards.