Train passengers have been urged to check before travelling this Easter because of major signalling upgrades.

Network Rail say the initial £55 million upgrade is from Deptford to Woolwich and Lewisham to Falconwood.

Thousands of engineers will be deployed from April 19 to April 21 to replace old signalling kit with more reliable technology that Network Rail insist will improve journeys.

John Halsall, route managing director of Network Rail south east, said: "This Easter we’ll complete work on a major signalling upgrade in south east London and start work on a second upgrade in the Hither Green area, as well as undertaking a wide range of improvements and maintenance across the network.

"There is never a good time to close the railway, but we know that it’s up to 50 per cent quieter than usual over bank holidays, which reduces the impact of our work on passengers.

"I’d like to thank people for their patience and remind them to check before they travel this Easter."

Work on the £88 million project to upgrade signalling from Hither Green to New Eltham, Elmstead Woods and Bromley North will start on Sunday April 21.

The project will aim to improve track quality and to reduce delays between Grove Park and Chislehurst.

Network Rail has outlined how trains will be affected over Easter below:

  • While work takes place replacement buses will run on the Woolwich line between Lewisham and Dartford via Greenwich and Woolwich.
  • On the Bexleyheath line, buses will replace trains between Lewisham and Dartford via Bexleyheath.
  • Trains between London Victoria and Dartford / Gravesend will be diverted via Sidcup.
  • Trains between London Cannon Street and Slade Green via Bexleyheath will run between London Cannon Street and Dartford, via Sidcup.
  • Thameslink services between London Bridge and Dartford will not run, but an hourly shuttle will run between Dartford and Rainham.