Transport for London (TfL) has issued a significant warning to commuters and travelers, announcing that widespread Network Rail engineering and maintenance works will severely impact travel across the capital on the final weekend of March. Engineering teams are scheduled to work extensively on the Metropolitan and Elizabeth lines, as well as multiple sections of the London Overground network, leading to numerous service suspensions and alterations.
Major Disruptions for Rugby Fans and Commuters
The disruption will be particularly acute on the entire Weaver line, which will affect rugby fans traveling to the Saracens rugby event at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday afternoon, March 28. Match attendees have been strongly advised to disembark at Tottenham Hale station and utilize the Victoria line to reach their destination. Additionally, tube passengers should prepare for exceptionally busy platforms and slow-moving queues at nearby Seven Sisters station both before kick-off and after the final whistle.
Testing of New DLR Trains
In a separate development, TfL will be conducting tests on new DLR trains over both Saturday and Sunday, resulting in a complete halt of services across the DLR network. This testing is part of ongoing efforts to modernize and improve London's transport infrastructure but will inevitably cause further inconvenience to passengers during this already disrupted weekend.
Detailed Closure Information
London Underground Closures
Metropolitan line: No service will operate between Aldgate and Wembley Park from Saturday, March 28, through Sunday, March 29, due to Network Rail engineering work. Commuters are urged to seek alternative routes during this period.
London Overground Closures
- Liberty line: No service between Romford and Upminster from Saturday, March 28, to Sunday, March 29, due to Network Rail maintenance work.
- Mildmay line: No service between Willesden Junction and Richmond on Sunday, March 29, due to Network Rail maintenance work. Rail replacement buses will be operational to mitigate the disruption.
- Weaver line: No service between Liverpool Street and Enfield Town, Cheshunt, or Chingford from Saturday, March 28, to Sunday, March 29, due to Network Rail maintenance work. Passengers are encouraged to use tube services or local and replacement bus routes as alternatives.
- Windrush line: No service on the entire line after 7:15 PM on Sunday, March 29, due to Network Rail maintenance work.
Elizabeth Line and DLR Closures
- Elizabeth line: No service between Stratford and Shenfield from Saturday, March 28, to Sunday, March 29, due to Network Rail maintenance work. Rail replacement buses will be in operation. Additionally, no service between Paddington and Ealing Broadway until 7:45 AM on Sunday, March 29, due to further Network Rail work.
- DLR: No service between Bank and Lewisham, between Tower Gateway and Canning Town, and between Stratford and Canary Wharf from Saturday, March 28, to Sunday, March 29, due to the testing of new trains. This comprehensive suspension is expected to significantly affect connectivity in these areas.
Travelers are strongly advised to plan their journeys in advance, check for real-time updates from TfL, and allow extra time for their commutes. The combination of these engineering works and special event traffic is likely to create challenging conditions across London's transport network throughout the weekend.
