VolkerFitzpatrick supports major rail upgrade at Charing Cross
More than £30 million of rail infrastructure improvements were delivered during a 22-day closure of London Charing Cross and Waterloo East stations.
Charing Cross rail upgrade delivers major station improvements
VolkerFitzpatrick has successfully completed a significant programme of rail infrastructure improvements at London Charing Cross and Waterloo East stations, helping to deliver more than £30 million of enhancements during a 22-day closure in August.
Delivered as part of the Southern Renewals Enterprise (SRE) alongside Network Rail, VolkerRail and the wider system of partners, the extensive programme of works has upgraded key railway infrastructure that serves millions of passengers travelling into central London each year.
Working around the clock throughout the possession, VolkerFitzpatrick delivered major renewals and upgrade works across Charing Cross station, Waterloo East and Hungerford Bridge. At Charing Cross, the team reconstructed all six platforms, removing more than 540 tonnes of existing infrastructure and installing over 2,000m² of new glass-reinforced plastic platform surfaces. Taking full advantage of this once-in-a-generation closure, teams worked simultaneously across all platforms to demolish and rebuild sections, install new steelwork and lay new surfaces. In total, more than 2,160m² of new platform infrastructure was installed, helping to modernise the station for years to come.
Charing Cross rail upgrade improves reliability and resilience
The programme also included major track renewal works led by VolkerRail, which saw almost 2km of track renewed and 16 sets of points replaced. Together, the improvements will help enhance the safety, reliability and resilience of this critical route into London.
Serving more than 20 million passengers each year, Charing Cross is a key gateway into central London. The upgrades will improve accessibility, passenger experience and long-term network performance, while reducing the need for future disruptive maintenance.
Months of detailed planning and close collaboration between Southern Renewals Enterprise partners enabled teams to maximise the 22-day closure, delivering a substantial volume of work within a single coordinated programme. Hundreds of people worked day and night throughout the possession, including during periods of exceptionally hot weather, to safely complete the complex programme.
Charing Cross rail upgrade delivered through collaboration
The successful delivery highlights the strength of the Southern Renewals Enterprise model, bringing together expertise from across Network Rail, VolkerFitzpatrick, VolkerRail, Southeastern and supply chain partners to deliver major improvements efficiently and with greater certainty.
“The successful delivery of this programme demonstrates what can be achieved when experienced teams work collaboratively towards a common goal. Rebuilding six platforms at Charing Cross, refurbishing Waterloo East and carrying out essential works on Hungerford Bridge within a tightly managed 22-day closure is a fantastic achievement. alongside major track renewals delivered by our VolkerRail colleagues. These improvements will provide long-term benefits for the millions of passengers who travel through these stations each year, helping to improve reliability, accessibility and the overall customer experience. I would like to thank everyone involved, including our Southern Renewals Enterprise partners, VolkerRail, Network Rail and our supply chain, for their commitment, professionalism and focus on delivering this complex programme safely and efficiently.”
Mike Sheridan Operations Director, VolkerFitzpatrick
The completion of the works marks a major milestone for the Southern Renewals Enterprise and leaves a lasting legacy of improvements that will benefit passengers for years to come.
