South London Train Station Subway to Close Permanently Over Safety Concerns
A pedestrian subway at a busy South London train station will be permanently closed this weekend, after engineers flagged long-term safety issues with the ageing structure.
The underpass at Bexley railway station, which has long served as a walkway beneath the tracks, will shut for good on Saturday, 6 September.
Network Rail and Southeastern confirmed the move, saying the decision followed a detailed inspection that highlighted structural concerns.
The subway does more than carry foot traffic. It also supports both passenger and heavy freight lines running overhead. That, engineers said, makes repairs “highly complex, disruptive and costly.”
Travellers will not be left stranded. A modern footbridge, fitted with lifts, was installed in 2024 as part of a £6 million accessibility upgrade. It now provides a step-free alternative for passengers navigating between platforms.
David Davidson, Southeastern’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “We’re really sorry for the inconvenience caused by closing the subway. Our engineers carefully considered whether it could be repaired.
Unfortunately, because the structure also supports the busy railway line above…the work would have been highly complex, disruptive, and extremely costly. Closing the subway is the safest and most practical step we can take for our customers.”
Officials were keen to stress that there is no urgent danger to passengers. The subway will stay open until the official closure date, giving commuters time to adjust. Once sealed, the entrances will free up extra space on the platforms.
Staff will remain on site to guide passengers, while London-bound services are expected to stop further along the platform to better align with the lifts and stairs.
The closure isn’t happening in isolation. It ties into a broader overhaul of the station, with upgrades set to run into 2026. These works will include new lighting, resurfaced platforms and improved passenger facilities.
Timeline of key works:
- Early August – Site preparation begins
- 6 September – Subway closes, works commence
- Mid-September – Demolition and service diversions
- Late September – Subway infilled
- November 2024 – Subway works completed
- Nov 2024 to May 2026 – Platform resurfacing and lighting upgrades
For many in Bexley, the subway has been a part of the daily commute for decades. But rail chiefs insist its time has come to an end. With accessibility improvements already in place, they argue the permanent closure represents progress rather than loss.
The decision marks yet another shift in how South London’s rail stations adapt to modern demands — balancing safety, accessibility and passenger experience.
