Improving London Waterloo station
Improving the experience for passengers at London Waterloo
This summer, we’ll start work renewing the escalators as we continue to make good progress replacing the 100-year-old station roof. We’re also improving customer information systems, upgrading the retail offer and have completed refurbishing and remodeling the toilets.
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Replacing escalators at Waterloo
The escalators for Exit 2, which connects the National Rail station to the Jubilee Line and Waterloo Road, are ageing. We’ve been working to replace them with modern, more reliable models that will require less maintenance. This is part of a wider programme which will see all four escalators replaced this year, starting with this first pair of escalators.
The work will start on 3 August 2025 and will take several months to complete which will mean some disruption to your experience at the station, such as a one-way system for escalators during busy commuter times.
Visitors who are able can use the stairs at Exit 7, which will add a couple of minutes to their journeys. During peak times, a one-way system will operate so that we can manage crowding safely, this means that you may be asked to take an alternative route. Yellow wayfinding signs will direct visitors to the stairs at Exit 7 which will add approximately two minutes to journeys.
The lift will remain in service for those who need it. Customer service advisors will be on hand if you need any assistance.
We’re sorry for any disruption our work will cause and thank passengers for bearing with us as we bring you more reliable escalators.
Repairing London Waterloo’s 100-year-old roof
The roof that covers the station concourse was rebuilt just after the First World War in 1922. After over 100 years of protecting passengers from the elements, it’s time to replace the old glazing
The work is needed as the existing glazing and support structures require more intensive and expensive maintenance to stop leaks.
Work to replace the glazed panels and the support structures which hold them and a full repaint of the roof structure started in summer 2023 and will continue for four years. The project also includes repairing the Porte Cochere roofs which provide shelter on Cab Road.
How will the station be affected by roof works?
The operation of the station, including passenger services and retail outlets, won’t be affected by the work.
We’ll build a temporary roof structure under the existing roof to protect passengers from the elements. Passengers will see a scaffolding deck that moves across the concourse as the works progress.
We’ll install eight temporary staircases across the station: one on the concourse and seven on the mezzanine. These will be dismantled in sequence as the works progress.
All work relating to the temporary structures and access stairwells will take place at night to prevent noise and dust during normal station operations.
We’ll carry out all other works, including removing existing panels and replacing concourse lights, while the station is open to the public.
Coming soon
New public address systems
The current public address system is outdated and fails to meet today’s passenger expectations or modern accessibility standards. We are installing new speakers containing the latest technology to improve the quality and clarity of announcements across the station.
More places to eat, shop and play
We are revamping Waterloo’s retail and food offerings as part of our ongoing investment in the station Ye
Completed Works
Contact us
For more information or to get in touch with us, please contact us by visiting our contact us page or by calling our 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41.