The DLR station at Cutty Sark is due to open again from 23rd March 2026 after a 10 month closure which has seen new state-of-the-art escalators installed with the aim of improving access at the busy station on the Lewisham line of the network. The reopening is earlier than planned and will see the station open in time for the London Marathon and Easter holidays.
The station has been closed since 31st May 2025 and whilst the main ambition of the closure was to put these new escalators in place, the chance has also been taken to introduce a wide range of extra improvements. These will make the station brighter, easier to navigate, and more enjoyable to use.
Four state-of-the-art, heavy-duty escalators have been installed, due to significantly boost reliability and improving the station’s ability to handle high customer volumes, helping futureproof it for many years to come. The escalators are currently going through reliability testing before the station reopens.
A number of other improvements have also been made to the station:
- A new lift providing more reliability and quicker access for all
- Clean, bright white wall coverings throughout the station to improve light levels and enhance its overall experience
- New energy efficient LED lighting throughout the entire station, improving light levels throughout
- Upgraded station safety features, including a new fire detection system
- Deep cleaning across all customer areas
- A raised ceiling above the two upper escalators, creating a more open and spacious environment
- New local artwork installed in collaboration with Visit Greenwich, celebrating the local area and enhancing the station’s visual appeal
Trish Ashton, Director of Rail at TfL, said: “We’re delighted to announce that an improved Cutty Sark station will reopen earlier than expected on Monday 23 March, ready to welcome customers back through newly modernised and more reliable station facilities. These improvements will make a real difference to customer journeys and support the continued growth and vibrancy of the Greenwich area.”
Seb Dance, London’s Deputy Mayor for Transport, commented: “It’s fantastic to see this major upgrade at Cutty Sark DLR station being delivered earlier than expected, meaning Londoners and visitors will soon be able to enjoy quicker and easier journeys to and from Greenwich town centre. The Mayor and I feel strongly that everyone should be able to enjoy everything our great city has to offer, so public transport network improvements like this are vital as we continue building a fairer, greener, better London for everyone.”
The work is all part of TfL’s ongoing programme to modernise and improve accessibility across the network. The project team has worked hard to accelerate the works during the closure period, allowing it to reopen earlier than planned. Some further, smaller, final elements of the project will still need to be completed but these will be completed out-of-hours once the station has reopened.