Key Points
- Several Southeastern trains in Greenwich and Bexley will be cancelled, diverted, or replaced by buses this weekend (November 1 and 2, 2025).
- Engineering work will affect routes between Plumstead and Slade Green and between Barnehurst, closing all lines in these sections.
- On Saturday, no trains will run between Blackheath and Dartford via Bexleyheath.
- Trains on the Woolwich Line will operate only between London Cannon Street and Plumstead.
- On Sunday, trains between London Cannon Street and Slade Green via Woolwich and Bexleyheath will be reduced or rerouted.
- Replacement bus services will be available due to the engineering works closing part of the network.
What trains will be affected by the engineering works in Greenwich and Bexley this weekend?
As reported by various sources, significant Southeastern train service disruptions are scheduled for Saturday, November 1, and Sunday, November 2, due to essential engineering work. This work closes the lines between Plumstead and Slade Green and Barnehurst, affecting all rail traffic in these areas.
On Saturday, trains on the Woolwich Line operating between London Cannon Street and Slade Green via Greenwich will only run between London Cannon Street and Plumstead. Similarly, trains between London Cannon Street and Dartford via Woolwich will also be restricted to the same stretch. Meanwhile, the Bexleyheath Line will see no services running between Blackheath and Dartford, with trains between London Victoria and Gravesend diverted to run via Sidcup instead.
On Sunday, similar restrictions will affect the Woolwich Line, with trains again only running between London Cannon Street and Plumstead. Additional trains will operate between London Cannon Street and Plumstead via Lewisham. On the Bexleyheath Line, no trains will run between London Cannon Street and Slade Green, while services from London Victoria to Dartford via Bexleyheath will be rerouted via Sidcup.
Why are there cancellations and diversions on the Southeastern trains in Greenwich and Bexley?
According to Southeastern service updates, the cancellations are due to planned engineering work between Plumstead and Slade Green and between Barnehurst, involving essential maintenance and repairs. This work necessitates the closure of the railway lines in these segments for safety and operational improvements.
The engineering work aims to maintain infrastructure reliability, reduce potential future delays, and ensure passenger safety on these crucial commuter routes. Replacement bus services will operate to cover the suspended train services, advising passengers to allow extra journey time during this period.
What alternative services will be in place during the disruptions?
Passengers travelling on Saturday and Sunday are advised that some train services will be replaced by buses, particularly where train services are suspended entirely. For example, no trains will run between Blackheath and Dartford via Bexleyheath on Saturday, and buses will replace these services.
Additionally, trains diverted to run via Sidcup will maintain connectivity, albeit on longer routes. Southeastern encourages travellers to plan ahead and check live updates for the latest travel information, as stations between Blackheath and Greenwich are expected to be busier than usual during the disruptions.
How will these disruptions affect regular commuters on affected routes?
Regular commuters needing to travel between London Cannon Street, Greenwich, Slade Green, Bexleyheath, and Dartford should expect longer journey times and bus transfers where train services are cancelled. The Woolwich Line’s reduced service between London Cannon Street and Plumstead will limit direct rail options beyond Plumstead on both weekend days.
The diversions via Sidcup on the Bexleyheath Line will alter usual travel patterns for some passengers, potentially causing increased congestion on diverted routes and at bus replacement stops.
Passengers are urged to check Southeastern’s service updates regularly, consider earlier travel times where possible, and be prepared for significant changes to standard schedules.
Where can passengers find the latest travel information and plan their journey?
Southeastern Railway provides live service updates on its official website, including planned engineering work details and ongoing service disruption information. Passengers can also use the National Rail Enquiries Journey Planner to find alternative routes and bus replacement services.
Stations impacted by closures will display signage for replacement services, and Southeastern’s Rail Replacement Service guidance offers advice on accessibility and additional travel considerations. As the replacement buses may be busier than usual, travellers should allow extra time for their journeys during this weekend’s engineering works.
