VolkerFitzpatrick to help deliver major rail improvements during Charing Cross blockade
VolkerFitzpatrick is playing a key role in one of Southern Renewals Enterprise’s largest and most complex projects of CP7, as works get underway during the 22-day closure of London Charing Cross and Waterloo East stations.
Platform transformation during the Charing Cross blockade
From 26 July to 16 August, teams from across Southern Renewals Enterprise, Network Rail and their supply chain partners will work around the clock to deliver a significant programme of rail infrastructure improvements during the Charing Cross blockade as part of a wider investment programme across Charing Cross and Waterloo East stations.
The blockade has been designed to bring together multiple disciplines within a single extended possession, maximising access to the railway, improving delivery efficiency and reducing the need for future disruption to passengers.
As Southern Renewals Enterprise’s Buildings and Civils partner, VolkerFitzpatrick will undertake a major platform transformation at Charing Cross station. The works will see platforms across Platforms 1–6 demolished and rebuilt, involving the removal of more than 1,500m² of platform structures, hundreds of trestles and support legs, and almost 540 tonnes of demolition material.
Enhancing railway infrastructure for the future
Once complete, new steelwork, drainage systems, cable management routes, GRP beams, deck panels and coping stones will be installed, creating modernised platforms that will improve resilience, accessibility and the passenger experience for years to come.
In addition to the platform works, VolkerFitzpatrick will deliver grit blasting and repainting works to Hungerford Bridge, alongside a programme of refurbishment works at Waterloo East station, helping to enhance the long-term performance and appearance of critical railway infrastructure.
The wider blockade includes a substantial package of track works being delivered by VolkerRail, including plain line track renewal, a switch and crossing renewal, replacement of point ends and associated engineering works.
The project demonstrates the strength of Southern Renewals Enterprise’s integrated delivery model to safely deliver complex renewals and upgrades at scale.
"This blockade provides a generational opportunity to deliver major improvements across Charing Cross, Hungerford Bridge and Waterloo East in a single programme of works. As one of London's most historic and important rail termini, Charing Cross plays a critical role in the capital's transport network, and we are proud to be helping improve the infrastructure that passengers rely on every day."
Michael Sheridan Operations Director at VolkerFitzpatrick
