London Overground passengers face two weekends of disruption in September as the Weaver line partially closes for extensive upgrades. Network Rail will shut the line between Bethnal Green and both Cheshunt and Enfield Town on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, and again on September 26 and 27.
What the upgrades involve
Network Rail said the work will replace ageing overhead wires, structures, and concrete bases. Engineers will also renew worn-out track between Turkey Street and Theobalds Grove and repair a gas pipe bridge in Stoke Newington. The improvements are part of a broader programme to maintain the route, which Network Rail says will keep it reliable and fit for the future.
Joe Kennedy, Infrastructure Director for Network Rail Anglia, said: "This work is part of our ongoing programme to renew and maintain the railway between Bethnal Green and Cheshunt/Enfield Town, helping to keep the route reliable and fit for the future. Bringing this work together over two weekends means our teams can carry out a significant amount of work safely and efficiently, while avoiding the need for further closures, and we'll work with our partners to minimise disruption. I'd like to thank all our customers for their patience while we carry out this important work."
Alternative travel arrangements
Replacement buses will run along the affected route during both weekend closures. The Weaver line branch between Liverpool Street and Chingford will not be disrupted, so passengers can still use that service. Those travelling directly from Bethnal Green to Cheshunt can change at Hackney Downs and take a Greater Anglia service.
During the closures, Greater Anglia trains will travel via Tottenham Hale instead of Seven Sisters, as platforms at the latter are prepared for future upgrades. Supporters heading to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the Spurs match against Aston Villa on Saturday, September 19 have been advised to plan ahead and allow extra time. Attendees are generally advised to use Seven Sisters or Tottenham Hale stations, which are about a 30-minute walk from the ground.
Future Suffragette line closures
Passengers are also being warned about plans to close the Suffragette line for multiple weekends in 2027. Four bridges are being replaced in Forest Gate, which will also affect roads starting in the coming weeks. The new bridges, all situated between Leytonstone High Road and Woodgrange Park, are expected to last until around the year 2150.
The first phase will extend the support structures at the ends of the existing bridges to carry the new decks. Demolition of the old bridge decks and installation of the new spans is set for spring 2027, with the project expected to be completed by late summer 2027. Network Rail and Transport for London will provide exact dates for rail closures nearer the time.
