Major Rail Disruptions as Blackheath Tunnel Shuts for 10 Weeks
Starting Sunday, May 18, 2025, the Blackheath rail tunnel in southeast London will be closed for ten weeks as essential repairs are carried out by Network Rail. This historic 175-year-old tunnel, which connects Blackheath and Charlton, has been suffering from water damage for some time. As part of a £10 million project, engineers will focus on fixing leaks and addressing structural wear in the tunnel’s brickwork. Travelers heading through this route will face disruptions, so planning alternative routes is highly recommended.
The repairs will focus on reinforcing the tunnel’s structure and enhancing water management systems to prevent further damage. The work follows last year’s similar closure, which involved preliminary fixes to stop leaks and conduct in-depth surveys. The goal of this 10-week closure is to ensure safer and more reliable travel in the future, with minimal disruption for both daily commuters and tourists exploring the area.
Visitors to popular destinations such as the O2 Arena in Greenwich may face more challenging access during the closure. With trains rerouted through Greenwich, passengers traveling from stations like Blackheath will experience longer journeys. This could be inconvenient for those planning to attend events at the O2, or for tourists connecting to the nearby Thames Clippers service.
Tourists hoping to explore the Royal Observatory in Greenwich could encounter travel delays during the 10-week closure. Normally accessible via direct trains, these attractions will now require additional transfers, increasing the time it takes to reach them. Visitors will need to travel via alternative routes, such as the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), which could result in a more complicated journey for those eager to explore these iconic landmarks.
We are running extra services on 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 the tunnel will be closed for 10 weeks, causing some short-term disruption, the work aims to improve its long-term reliability. Once the upgrades are finished, passengers should notice fewer delays and smoother journeys thanks to fewer speed restrictions. These essential repairs will help ensure that the Blackheath tunnel remains a vital part of the rail network for years to come.