Petts Wood station footbridge repairs to begin on Monday 18 August

Friday 4 Jul 2025

Petts Wood station footbridge repairs to begin on Monday 18 August

Region & Route:: Southern; | Southern: Kent

Passengers using Petts Wood station are being advised that repairs to the station footbridge beginning in August means that the way they move around the station will change.

Essential work to refurbish the footbridge at Petts Wood station in south east London will extend the life of the footbridge and make sure it remains safe for the public to use.

The work begins on Monday 18 August 2025 and is due to be completed in stages by 30 March 2026.

Stage 1 will affect the western approach to the footbridge and will begin on 18 August 2025, and finish on 27 October. During that time, access from the western side won’t be possible, and people will be asked to use the station entrance, and use the lifts or stairs to access platforms, including platform 1.
Stage 2 will affect the central section and begin on 27 October 2025, and finish on 12 January 2026. During that time, the central section will be closed and there will be no through access between platforms 1 and 4, and platform 2 and 3. People will be asked to use the western entrance to access platforms 1 and 2, and the station entrance to access platform 3 and 4.
Stage 3 will affect the station entrance and will begin on 12 January 2026 and end on 30 March 2026. The station entrance will be completely closed during that time, and all platforms will be accessed from the western entrance.

During the footbridge closure periods, people will be asked to follow the step-free diversion routes where required, with detour signage in place.

A taxi service will also be available for those who require accessibility support once they arrive at the station to get from one platform to another during the three phases of the closure of the footbridge. Anyone who needs assistance to get to another platform should speak to a member of staff at the station who will arrange for the taxi to transport them to the other side of the station.

The taxi service will only be available during the station opening times. Petts Wood station building, and ticket office will remain open and accessible for the duration of the works.

David Davidson, chief operating officer for the South Eastern Railway, said: “The footbridge at Petts Wood station has carried passengers safely over the tracks for nearly 95 years. It’s had regular maintenance over that time to keep it in good condition, but the time has come for another extensive refurbishment.

“While we have tried to plan the work in way that keeps the bridge open, we know the changes will still be inconvenience people and mean longer journeys.

“A dedicated taxi service will be available for people requiring assistance and walking routes will be clearly signposted.

“We are hosting drop-in a session at Christ Church in Tudor Way on 9 July, in the early evening, so that people can speak to railway staff, understand why the work is needed, how they’ll be affected, and how they can manage changes when work is underway.

“Thank you for patience while we work to give you a railway fit for the future”.

Notes to Editors

Network Rail will be holding a drop-in information session on Wednesday 9 July from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Christ Church Petts Wood, Tudor Way, Petts Wood BR5 1LH, where residents will be able to meet the project team and find out more about the work, including presentations at 4:00pm, 5:00pm and 6:00pm. However, everyone is welcome to attend at any time during the session to ask questions.

The current Petts Wood station footbridge was constructed in 1946, comprised of the original main and stair spans which were constructed in 1929, with the addition of a further main span (crossing the 'London fast' line), and stairs to the ground level providing public access across the railway.

The works will involve replacing the deck of the footbridge, structural strengthening works, drainage upgrades, concrete repairs including on the stairs and treads, new tactile paving to the platform and landings, minor resurfacing, adjustments to the existing handrails, paint and debris removal using high pressure water jetting. A full repaint of the footbridge will also be carried out, as well as wiring and lighting upgrade works to the station building and all platforms.

Due to the nature of the work and the equipment that Network Rail’s contractors will be using, some noise disturbance may be experienced, especially when water jetting equipment is being used and steel elements are being replaced. Every effort will be made to minimise as much noise as possible.

Contact information

Passengers / community members
Network Rail national helpline
03457 11 41 41

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Journalists
Paul Prentice
Communications Manager
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paul.prentice@networkrail.co.uk

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