New escalators have finally been delivered to the beleaguered Cutty Sark DLR station in Greenwich, though the long-suffering station will remain closed to passengers for several more months.
A Long-Awaited Delivery for a Persistent Problem
The station, which has been shut since May 2025, is not expected to reopen until at least Spring 2026. The closure is necessary for a complete replacement of all four faulty escalators, which have been plagued by reliability issues dating back to around 2021.
Photographs captured crews from Quattro Plant delivering the new machinery to the platform. Transport for London (TfL) decided to take the original escalators out of service after they became too complex and unreliable to repair effectively.
Local Frustration and Operational Necessity
The protracted issues have led Greenwich locals to describe the station as a "mess." Marcus Roberts, 23, previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service about the knock-on effects, noting long queues for the single lift as people with bikes, scooters, and wheelchairs sought alternative access.
Ben Grellier, TfL’s Head of Operations for the DLR, apologised for the ongoing disruption. "We know Cutty Sark’s escalators have been causing disruption and frustration for our customers," he said. He explained that replacing the escalators while the station was operational was not feasible.
A Modern, Efficient Future
The new installations are described as state-of-the-art machines that will be more energy-efficient and, crucially, provide reliable access. Once complete, they are expected to end years of inconvenience for commuters and visitors to the popular Greenwich area.
During the closure, TfL has suggested several alternative travel routes for affected passengers:
- Nearby Greenwich National Rail Station
- Local bus routes 129 and 199
- Riverboat services RB1 and RB6
- The Greenwich foot tunnel
TfL has thanked customers for their continued patience during this essential but disruptive upgrade project.
