Transport for London (TfL) has warned passengers that the majority of the Piccadilly line will be closed until Friday, August 28, as part of preparations for the arrival of a new fleet of trains. The closure, which began on Tuesday, August 25, affects the section between Cockfosters and Uxbridge, leaving only the Heathrow to Acton stretch operational.
Closure details and alternative routes
During this period, there will be no service between Cockfosters and Uxbridge, which constitutes the bulk of the line. Passengers can still travel between Heathrow and Acton. TfL has advised travellers to use the Metropolitan and District lines to reach stations where they intersect with the Piccadilly line.
For journeys between Rayners Lane and Uxbridge, the Metropolitan line is recommended. Between South Kensington and Ealing Common, the District line serves as a practical alternative. Additionally, three replacement bus services are operating to cover the affected areas.
Replacement bus services
Service PL4 stops at Acton Town, Ealing Common, North Ealing, Hanger Lane (for Central line and Park Royal), Alperton (Bridgewater Road), Sudbury Town (Whitton Avenue East), Sudbury Hill, South Harrow, and Rayners Lane. Service PL5 runs from Finchley Central (for Northern line) to Arnos Grove, Southgate, Oakwood, and Cockfosters. Service PL6 operates from Finsbury Park through Manor House, Turnpike Lane, Wood Green, Bounds Green, New Southgate (National Rail), and Arnos Grove.
The new Piccadilly line trains have undergone weight-load testing to ensure smooth operation, according to TfL. These trains are expected to enter service by December this year. The upgrade programme includes new track lines, refurbished trains with air-conditioning, new digital information boards, and signalling modifications.
Upcoming Piccadilly line closures
This is the first of several intermittent closures planned throughout the rest of the year. The full schedule of upcoming closures is as follows:
- September 18 (Night Tube): Hyde Park Corner to Northfields
- September 19-20: Hyde Park Corner to Acton Town
- September 25 (Night Tube): Cockfosters to Acton Town
- September 26-27: Cockfosters to Uxbridge
- October 16-18: Hammersmith to Heathrow and Uxbridge
- October 28-30: Cockfosters to Uxbridge
- October 30-November 1: No service on the entire line
- November 20-22: Hammersmith to Heathrow and Uxbridge
Passengers are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and check TfL's website for real-time updates. These closures are necessary to facilitate the introduction of the new trains, which will bring modern amenities and improved reliability to one of London's busiest Underground lines.
