Dartford Junction: Line closure between Dartford and Gravesend
In February 2026, we will carry out a critical upgrade at Dartford Junction, one of the busiest rail junctions in Kent and the country.
The £10 million investment in new track at Dartford will help give the tens of thousands of passengers travelling over the junction each day more punctual journeys.
Project timeline
We’ll deliver a major programme of works between:
- Saturday 14 February and Sunday 22 February 2026 – main closure
- Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 February – preparation work
- Sunday 1 March and Sunday 5 April – follow-up work.
This approach allows us to consolidate activity into one 9-day closure and three weekends, as opposed to up 30 weekends of disruption using weekend only access.
What work is taking place?
The works include:
- Renewal of 10 switches and crossings – the movable sections of track that allow trains to change direction
- Installation of 400 yards of new rail, and conductor rails which power trains, between Slade Green and Dartford
- Platform adjustment work at Dartford station will reduce the stepping distance between platforms and trains, improving safety and passenger experience.
- Where possible, additional work will be brought into the closure to give passengers additional benefits.
How will this work affect me?
- During the work, no South Eastern Railway or Thameslink services will operate between Slade Green, Barnehurst, Crayford, and Gravesend via Dartford. Replacement bus services will be provided.
- No Thameslink services will operate between Plumstead and Gravesend. An hourly Thameslink shuttle train service will run between Gravesend and Rainham.
- All South Eastern Railway Metro routes that pass through Dartford will be subject to change.
- There will be temporary reductions in peak-time services, particularly affecting the Hayes and Sidcup lines, with minor impacts on the Bexleyheath, Greenwich, and North Kent lines.
- Highspeed services to and from St Pancras via Gravesend will continue to operate.
- Service reductions will also affect Lewisham, St Johns, New Cross, and London terminals due to the changes at Dartford.
Please make a note of the dates when this work is happening, so you can plan your journey.
More detailed information including revised train and replacement bus times will be available in journey planners on the train operator’s website, and at National Rail, in autumn.
Check before you travel
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Get in touch
If you have any questions, please visit our contact us page or telephone our 24-Hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41 quoting Dartford Junction