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Tuesday 8 Jul 2025

STARTING IN AUGUST: Escalator upgrades at London Waterloo means a diversion between Jubilee Line platforms and South Western Railway services

Region & Route:

Southern: Wessex

Network Rail are warning passengers that, starting on 3 August, they may have to use an alternative route when commuting through London Waterloo between the South Western Railway platforms and the Jubilee Line, while we carry out essential refurbishment on the escalators.

The escalators for Exit 2, which connects the National Rail station to the Jubilee Line and Waterloo Road, are ageing. We’ve been working on replacing them with modern, more reliable models that will require less maintenance . This is part of a wider programme which will see all four escalators replaced this year, starting with the first pair of escalators in August.

The work will take several months to complete which may mean some disruption to your experience at the station, such as a one-way system for escalators during busy commuter times. Visitors who are able can use the stairs at Exit 7, on the main concourse, which will add a couple of minutes to their journeys.

During peak times a one-way system will operate so that we can manage crowding safely, this means that you may be asked to take an alternative route. Yellow wayfinding signs will direct visitors to the stairs at Exit 7. The lift will remain in service for those who need it.

Customer service advisors will be on hand if you need any assistance.

Tom Barry, Network Rail Project Sponsor, said: “London Waterloo is the flagship station for the Wessex route and the third busiest station in the country, after Liverpool Street and Tottenham Court Road. The escalators are in need of repair so we can make this station fit for the future. We’re sorry for any disruption our work will cause and thank passengers for bearing with us as we bring you more reliable escalators.”