Bexley (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The pedestrian subway at Bexley railway station will be closed permanently next week due to safety concerns, ending its use as a crossing point.
After safety inspections found long-term hazards to passengers and the railway above, Southeastern Railway announced that the underpass, which runs beneath the rails, would close starting on Saturday, September 6.
Engineers cautioned that fixing the subway, which transports both passengers and large cargo through the region, would be extremely difficult, expensive, and disruptive.
A new footbridge and elevators, which were installed in 2024 in Bexley, as part of a £6 million investment to completely step-free the station, will be used by passengers instead.
David Davidson, Southeastern’s Chief Operating Officer, said:
“We’re really sorry for the inconvenience caused by closing the subway. Our engineers carefully considered whether it could be repaired. Unfortunately, because the structure also supports the busy railway line above…the work would have been highly complex, disruptive, and extremely costly. Closing the subway is the safest and most practical step we can take for our customers.”
The operator stressed there was no immediate safety risk and that the subway would remain open until early September.
Once sealed, the entrances will free up more space on the platforms. Staff will also be on hand to help passengers, with London-bound trains stopping further along the platform to align with the lifts and stairs.
The closure forms part of a wider package of upgrades at the station, including new platform surfacing and replacement lighting to be carried out between November and 2026.
- Early August – Site setup begins
- 6 September – Subway closes and works begin
- Early / mid-September – Demolition and service diversions
- Late September – Subway infill
- November – Subway works complete
- November to May 2026 – Platform resurfacing and new lighting
What specific structural defects prompted the permanent closure?
Long-term concerns about the structural integrity of the subway supporting the railway line above. Detailed inspections revealed significant deterioration and defects in the subway structure that could compromise safety over time.
The defects were serious enough that repairing them would require prolonged station and line closures, which were deemed impractical due to heavy passenger and freight traffic.The nature of the defects likely involves issues such as corrosion, cracks, and weakening of key support elements, common causes of structural failure in ageing infrastructure.
Safety concerns center on maintaining the stability of the railway line and protecting public safety for the high volume of users.