Commuters in South London can breathe a temporary sigh of relief as the installation of a new signalling system, originally set to disrupt rail services from Saturday, February 10 to Sunday, February 18, has been rescheduled for a later date in 2024.

The delay comes as Network Rail works diligently to ensure a seamless transition to the improved signalling infrastructure.

From Monday, February 12, through to Friday, February 16, residents in the Tooting, Crystal Palace, Tulse Hill, and Peckham Rye areas can expect their daily train services to run without any interruptions.

However, it’s important to note that services will still be affected on Saturday, February 10, and Sunday, February 11, as preparatory work for the signalling upgrade takes place.

Network Rail is actively collaborating with train operators to pinpoint a suitable alternative date later in the year when the advanced and more reliable signalling system can be implemented successfully after thorough testing and preparation.

The ongoing upgrades encompass crucial sections between Crystal Palace, Tulse Hill, and Peckham Rye, all of which are part of Network Rail’s substantial £400 million investment program for track and signalling enhancements in South London.

This undertaking involves the replacement of outdated and unreliable 1980s signalling equipment with state-of-the-art technology, alongside track upgrades at key locations across the network. These improvements are expected to enhance the overall passenger experience by ensuring smoother and more efficient journeys.

For the duration of these adjustments, Southern trains operating in the affected areas will experience the following schedule changes:

• On Saturday, February 10, and Sunday, February 11, there will be no Southern trains operating between London Bridge and Streatham via Peckham Rye and Tulse Hill, no service to Beckenham Junction, and no trains between Balham and Norwood Junction via Crystal Palace or Balham and Sydenham via Crystal Palace.
• Starting from Monday, February 12, and continuing through Friday, February 16, Southern trains will resume their normal operations in this region.
• On Sunday, February 18, there will be no Southern trains running between Tulse Hill and London Bridge.

Thameslink trains serving the affected areas will also face schedule changes as follows:

• On Saturday, February 10, and Sunday, February 11, there will be no Thameslink services operating between Herne Hill and Wimbledon/Sutton.
• However, from Monday, February 12, to Friday, February 16, trains on this route will be running as scheduled.

Additionally, London Overground services will be impacted as follows:

• On Saturday, February 10, and Sunday, February 11, London Overground services will be temporarily suspended between Surrey Quays and Clapham Junction, as well as from Sydenham to Crystal Palace.
• From Monday, February 12, to Friday, February 16, London Overground trains will run without disruptions.
• Finally, on Saturday, February 17, and Sunday, February 18, London Overground services will be suspended between Surrey Quays and Clapham Junction to facilitate further Network Rail signalling improvements.

While the delay may come as a relief to commuters in certain areas, it is essential for passengers to stay informed about the ongoing developments and any subsequent changes to their travel plans.

A spokesperson for Network Rail said: “We’ve seen a 55% reduction in signalling delays following the switch-on of the renewed signalling between Balham and Victoria, and we’re expecting similar benefits from this

“However, following internal reviews which form a critical part of the robust assurance process for any large-scale project of this kind, we’ve decided to re-plan the commissioning phase of this project and will announce a new date as soon as we can.

“We will still close these sections of track on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 January as this will allow us to carry out critical work ahead of the commissioning to minimise disruption for passengers later.

“While we’re disappointed we can’t give passengers these benefits by February, we’re working closely with operators to bring the new system into use as soon as possible.”