Tram services between New Addington and East Croydon will be suspended for almost two weeks later this month as engineers carry out major track renewal works on one of south London’s busiest tram corridors.
Transport for London has confirmed that no trams will operate on the section between the two termini from Saturday 24 October until Thursday 5 November, while round-the-clock engineering works take place at Kent Gateway West.
The shutdown severs the direct tram link between New Addington, a large residential suburb on the edge of the capital, and East Croydon station, one of the busiest rail interchanges in south London, with National Rail services to London Bridge, Victoria, Gatwick Airport, Brighton and the south coast.
Why the works are taking place
TfL said the project forms part of an ongoing modernisation programme aimed at improving the condition of the track, making services more reliable and delivering a better experience for passengers.
Track renewal typically involves replacing worn rails, sleepers and track beds that have deteriorated under years of daily use. Engineers say carrying out the work intensively, 24 hours a day rather than in shorter overnight shifts, allows the job to be finished as quickly as possible and limits the overall period of disruption.
The New Addington branch is a core part of the Tramlink network, which opened in 2000 and now serves 39 stops across Croydon and neighbouring parts of south London. The line carries tens of millions of passenger journeys a year and provides a vital connection for commuters, schoolchildren and shoppers travelling into Croydon town centre.
Road closures and diversions
The disruption will not be limited to tram passengers. Kent Gateway will be closed to north-eastbound traffic between the tram level crossing next to Gravel Hill and the Lodge Lane roundabout while the works are under way.
The road restrictions are expected to remain in place from 24 October until 24 November, meaning drivers will face disruption for almost three weeks after trams start running again.
During the closure, motorists will be diverted via Gravel Hill, Shirley Hills Road, the A232, Addington Road and Kent Gate Way. TfL has warned of increased traffic in the surrounding area and is urging drivers to plan ahead and allow extra time.
Noise warnings for residents
People living near the works have been warned to expect significant construction noise, with heavy machinery operating around the clock for the duration of the project.
In a letter sent to nearby households on 6 October, TfL said: “Unfortunately, during these major works, construction noise will be generated due to the use of heavy machinery.” The letter added that while some noise and increased traffic are unavoidable, everything possible will be done to limit disturbance.
TfL said the works will be managed using “Best Practicable Means” to control noise, in line with the Control of Pollution Act 1974, and that it is working closely with the London Borough of Croydon. The transport body has apologised for the disruption the project will cause.
How to get around
Passengers who normally use the affected section are being urged to check before they travel and to allow considerably more time for their journeys.
Alternatives include local bus routes serving the corridor between New Addington, Addington Village and Croydon town centre, as well as National Rail services from East Croydon for onward travel. Commuters heading into central London may find it quicker to travel by rail rather than diverting around the tram closure.
The shutdown comes just weeks after tram services through part of Croydon were suspended following a collision between East Croydon and Sandilands, underlining a difficult autumn for the network. Meanwhile, bus speeds across the capital have fallen to their lowest level in more than a decade, adding to pressure on surface transport in the borough.
The works form part of a wider programme of transport investment in the capital. TfL has also opened a consultation on the proposed West London Orbital Overground line linking Hendon and Hounslow. Passengers affected by the tram closure are advised to check TfL’s website, app and station announcements for real-time updates before setting out.
