Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed the exact date a London Underground station on the Piccadilly line will partially close, causing disruption for commuters in North London for around two months.
From Monday, 6 January 2026, Southgate station will operate as an exit-only station while essential escalator maintenance work is carried out. The restrictions are expected to remain in place until mid-March 2026.
Why is Southgate London Underground station being restricted?
TfL says the change is necessary because one of Southgate station’s two escalators needs urgent maintenance. During the works, that escalator will be completely out of service, while the remaining one will only run upwards.
Because of this, passengers will be able to leave the station as normal, but will not be allowed to enter to catch Piccadilly line trains.
TfL has stressed that keeping the station open in a limited way is safer than a full closure and helps prevent unexpected breakdowns in the future.
Southgate station, which dates back to the 1930s, sees heavy daily footfall, particularly during weekday rush hours. Older stations across the network often require lengthy maintenance due to ageing infrastructure and constant use.
When will the closure start, and how long will it last?
The exit-only operation will begin on Monday, 6 January 2026 and is scheduled to continue until mid-March 2026, meaning commuters will need to make alternative travel plans for roughly eight to ten weeks.
TfL has advised passengers to regularly check journey updates, as completion dates can change depending on how smoothly the engineering work progresses.
Which Tube line and areas are affected?
The disruption affects the Piccadilly line, a major route linking North London with central London and Heathrow Airport.
Southgate is an important stop for residents in Enfield and surrounding areas, many of whom rely on the station for work and school travel.
With Southgate unavailable for entry, nearby stations such as Oakwood, Cockfosters and Arnos Grove are expected to see increased passenger numbers.
What alternative routes are being suggested?
TfL is encouraging passengers to use local bus services to reach neighbouring London Underground stations. Buses will connect travellers north to Oakwood and Cockfosters, while services heading south can be used to reach Arnos Grove.
For those looking for rail alternatives, TfL has highlighted Palmers Green, which offers National Rail services into Finsbury Park and Moorgate, providing another option into central London.
Passengers are being urged to use the TfL Journey Planner or TfL Go app to check the quickest routes before setting off.
What has TfL said to affected commuters?
Richard Jones, TfL’s Director of Asset Performance Delivery, acknowledged the inconvenience and apologised to passengers ahead of the closure.
“We apologise in advance to customers using Southgate tube station for any disruption to their journeys as a result of the station operating as exit-only from Monday 6 January until mid-March 2026,
Essential maintenance work on one of the station’s escalators means that customers will not be able to access Piccadilly Line services at Southgate for this period.
The work will ensure ongoing safety, provide better reliability and reduce the risk of longer unplanned closures,” he said.
TfL has reiterated that keeping the escalators in good condition is crucial for passenger safety across the network.
How are local commuters responding?
The decision has sparked frustration among regular users of Southgate station. Many commuters argue that the exit-only rule will significantly slow down morning journeys and overcrowd nearby bus routes.
More than 1,100 people have signed a petition calling on TfL to consider a compromise, such as allowing entry during the morning peak and switching back to exit-only in the evenings. TfL has not yet confirmed whether it will review this request.
