The major London train line that will close for 11 days over Christmas

Heads up, regular users of the Mildmay line. The Overground service will partially shut for 11 days this Christmas, before part-closing again on several weekends throughout January and February 2026.

The line, which on a TfL map was formerly orange but is now striped blue, is closing due to a major track replacement project. Most of the works are focused on a stretch of track between Brondesbury Park and Willesden Junction in northwest London.

Engineers are specifically replacing 10 sets of points, which allow trains to switch between lines. Straight tracks will also be replaced, while the works will also seek to improve drainage. The works are aiming to reduce the risk of track faults, as well as cut the likelihood of flooding on the line.

The Mildmay isn’t the only London transport service that will be out of action over the festive period. Liverpool Street, Waterloo and Vauxhall stations will all also be shut at various times over Christmas and the New Year.

What dates will the Mildmay line be closed?

Here are the closure dates to watch out for:

• Christmas Day – no services
• Boxing Day – a service will only run between Shepherd's Bush and Clapham Junction. Replacement buses operate between Shepherd’s Bush and Camden Road, and between Camden Road and Stratford.
• December 27 2025 to January 4 2026 – no service between Camden Road and Richmond / Shepherd's Bush
  • Replacement trains will run between Willesden Junction and Stratford, and between Shepherd’s Bush and Clapham Junction
• January 10-11 2026 – No service between Gospel Oak and Richmond / Shepherd's Bush.
  • Shuttle trains will run between Willesden Junction and Stratford, and between Shepherd’s Bush and Clapham Junction
• January 31-February 1 2026 – No service between Camden Road and Richmond / Shepherd's Bush.
  • Shuttle trains will run between Willesden Junction and Stratford, and between Shepherd’s Bush and Clapham Junction
• February 14-15 2026 – No service between Camden Road and Richmond / Shepherd's Bush.
  • Shuttle trains will run between Willesden Junction and Stratford, and between Shepherd’s Bush and Clapham Junction

What’s been said about the closures?

Commenting on the engineering works, infrastructure director for Network Rail Anglia Simon Milburn 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.’