Tram disruption as engineering work gets under way

Transport for London (TfL) says the work is expected to last for two weeks, ending on 18 April

Croydon's trams have temporarily stopped running between a number of stops as maintenance work takes place, causing potential transport issues in south London.

Essential works are happening on the Shirley Hills Road crossing between the Coombe Lane and Gravel Hill tram stops, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Transport for London (TfL) said the work was expected to last for two weeks, ending on 18 April - with services resuming the following day.

During this time, trams will not operate between Sandilands and New Addington tram stops, including at Lloyd Park, Coombe Lane, Gravel Hill, Addington Village, Fieldway, King Henry's Drive and New Addington.

TfL said its engineering teams would aim to minimise disruption as much as possible and that trams would continue to run as usual between Wimbledon and Beckenham Junction or Elmers End tram stops.

A replacement bus service is also operating between the New Addington and East Croydon tram stops - but due to the closure of Coombe Lane and Gravel Hill for the works, there is no service at the Lloyd Park tram stop.

Navid Golshan, TfL's general manager for London Trams, said the work was "vital" to ensure a safe and reliable service

The transport operator continued by saying essential maintenance would also take place on the New Addington branch at the same time, including: the resurfacing of sections of the carriageway; track maintenance through the Sandilands Tunnel; work at King Henry's Drive roundabout; and repairs to the Lloyd Park tram stop crossing.

Navid Golshan, TfL's general manager for London Trams, said the work was "vital" to ensure a safe and reliable service.

"As part of this closure we have also taken the opportunity to undertake some additional essential works with an aim to minimise the need for future closures.

"I would like to thank customers for their patience while this takes place and would ask anyone travelling to plan ahead, allowing plenty of time for any journey," he said.