United Kingdom Warns Passengers as South London Railway Station Subway Closes Permanently Over Safety Concerns – New Update

UK travel news confirms that the pedestrian subway at Bexley railway station in South London is set to close for good starting Saturday, 6 September. Southeastern Railway has announced that recent safety inspections uncovered long-term risks affecting both passengers and the railway line above. After careful evaluation, engineers concluded that repairing the subway would be complicated, disruptive, and expensive, making permanent closure the safest option.

Passengers will now use a new passenger footbridge with lifts, which opened in 2024 as part of broader station upgrades designed to provide full step-free access across the station.

Why the Subway is Closing

• The subway carries both passenger traffic and heavy freight trains, putting significant strain on its structure.
• Safety checks conducted by transport authorities identified risks that could worsen over time.
• Repairing the subway would involve complex construction under active railway lines, potentially disrupting both passenger and freight services.
• Southeastern Railway confirmed that permanent closure was the safest and most practical solution for travelers.

David Davidson, Chief Operating Officer of Southeastern Railway, said, “Because the subway also supports a busy railway line, repairing it would have been highly complex and disruptive. Closing it permanently is the safest approach for our customers.”

What Passengers Can Expect

• The new passenger footbridge with lifts provides full step-free access for all travelers.
• London-bound trains will stop slightly further along the platform to align with the new access points.
• Station staff will be on hand to guide passengers during the transition.
• The closure opens up additional platform space, improving passenger flow and overall safety.

These changes follow government guidelines to maintain safe, accessible infrastructure while minimizing disruption for passengers.

Timeline of Works

The permanent closure is part of a carefully planned program of station upgrades at Bexley:

• Early August: Site setup begins
• 6 September: Subway closes and initial works begin
• Early to mid-September: Demolition and service diversions
• Late September: Subway infill completed
• November: Subway works finished
• November 2025 – May 2026: Platform resurfacing and lighting replacement

The upgrades are designed to improve passenger safety, comfort, and accessibility while meeting all official transport standards.

Safety is the Top Priority

Railway underpass safety remains a key concern for UK transport authorities. Underpasses that carry both passenger and freight trains require regular inspections and strict maintenance. The Bexley subway closure demonstrates a proactive approach to managing infrastructure risks.

Redirecting passengers to the new passenger footbridge ensures compliance with safety and accessibility regulations. This phased transition is in line with official recommendations for maintaining passenger safety during major infrastructure changes.

Accessibility and Step-Free Travel

One of the main goals of the Bexley station project is to provide full step-free access:

• The footbridge and lifts meet modern accessibility standards.
• Passengers traveling with luggage, prams, or mobility aids can move safely and independently.
• Additional platform space allows smoother passenger flow.

Government guidance highlights the importance of inclusive public transport, and these station upgrades put that principle into action. Closing the subway permanently ensures that safety and accessibility take priority over maintaining aging infrastructure.

What This Means for Travelers

• Station staff will remain available to assist passengers throughout the transition period.
• Clear signage will direct travelers to lifts and footbridge access points.
• Long-term maintenance risks associated with the old subway will be eliminated.
• The project reflects broader trends in UK railway management, focusing on safety, resilience, and accessibility.

Commuters are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new routes before traveling. The upgrades balance safety, convenience, and compliance with national transport policies.

Conclusion

UK travel news confirms that the Bexley railway station subway will close permanently in early September due to structural safety concerns. Passengers will be redirected to the new passenger footbridge with lifts, offering full step-free access as part of ongoing station upgrades.

This change reflects the government’s commitment to railway underpass safety, modern infrastructure, and inclusive travel. By prioritizing safety, accessibility, and operational efficiency, Southeastern Railway ensures that Bexley station meets current standards while providing a safer and more convenient experience for all travelers.