Major Track Replacement Taking Place on Mildmay Line
Closures to continue through Christmas into the New Year
A Mildmay line train tracl. Picture: Network Rail
December 12, 2025
Passengers on the London Overground’s Mildmay line face further disruption in January and February as Network Rail continues a major programme of track replacement between Brondesbury Park and Willesden Junction.
The work follows an 11-day partial closure over Christmas, during which engineers will begin replacing 10 sets of points. These points, currently supported by deteriorating timber sleepers, are being upgraded with durable concrete sleepers and fresh ballast to reduce the risk of faults and delays. Straight track in the same area is also being renewed, alongside improvements to drainage channels to help prevent flooding.
Network Rail says the Mildmay line is under particular strain because it is shared with heavy freight trains, placing extra stress on the infrastructure. Without intervention, passengers could face regular unplanned delays.
The closures will affect services as follows:
- Christmas period (25 December – 4 January)
- No trains on Christmas Day.
- Boxing Day: shuttle between Shepherd’s Bush and Clapham Junction only.
- 27 December – 4 January: no service between Camden Road and Richmond/Shepherd’s Bush. Replacement buses in operation.
- Saturday 10 – Sunday 11 January
- No service between Gospel Oak and Richmond/Shepherd’s Bush.
- Special train between Willesden Junction and Stratford (via Queen’s Park).
- Shuttle between Shepherd’s Bush and Clapham Junction.
- Saturday 31 January – Sunday 1 February and Saturday 14 – Sunday 15 February
- No service between Camden Road and Richmond/Shepherd’s Bush.
- Replacement buses between Camden Road and Gunnersbury (and Camden Road to Richmond on 15 February).
Simon Milburn, infrastructure director for Network Rail Anglia, acknowledged the inconvenience but stressed the long-term benefits. He said, “We’re sorry for the extended closure at Christmas and the additional weekends in the new year, but this is a big job that will make a real positive impact for passengers in the long-term.
The busy Mildmay line is shared with regular heavy freight trains, which means there’s more stress and strain on the track than on other parts of the network. We are installing new track that is built to last for decades to come.”
After the new track has settled, engineers will return with specialist machinery to complete installation. A separate team will also replace 1.5km of worn-out straight track.
Passengers are advised to check tfl.gov.uk before travelling.
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