Transport for London (TfL) has announced that most of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) network will be closed during the early May bank holiday weekend to facilitate testing of new trains. The closure will affect services from Saturday, May 2, through Monday, May 4, with no trains running between Bank and Shadwell, Poplar and Beckton, or between Stratford International and Woolwich Arsenal.
Limited services remain operational
Only two routes will remain open to passengers: the line between Tower Gateway and Poplar, and the route connecting Lewisham with both Stratford and Shadwell. TfL has advised customers to check before traveling and allow extra time for their journeys.
New train features
The new DLR trains, which are currently undergoing testing, boast walk-through carriages, air conditioning, and real-time travel information displays. The fleet of 54 trains began entering service last October but was withdrawn a month later after a braking error occurred during poor weather at Canning Town station.
TfL aims to reintroduce the fleet in late summer and is using the reduced passenger numbers over the three-day weekend as an opportunity for comprehensive testing. A series of closures was outlined in February as part of the roadmap for the trains' return.
Official statement
Stuart Harvey, TfL’s chief capital officer, said: “We know customers are looking forward to travelling on these new trains, and we will provide a further update in the spring, with the trains being reintroduced by summer. Our engineers, together with CAF and our franchisee KeolisAmey Docklands, have worked tirelessly to ensure they return safely and reliably. We are confident customers will welcome the extra space, improved accessibility, real‑time travel information and air‑conditioning these trains provide.”
In addition to train testing, third-party improvement works will also be carried out on the DLR network during the closure period. TfL has urged passengers to plan ahead and use alternative transport where possible.
