Work by Network Rail over the Christmas and New Year period to replace a concrete retaining wall on the Brighton lines' southern approaches to Clapham Junction resulted in closure of the slow line between Streatham Common and Clapham Junction with service alterations and diversions. Under emergency powers, Network Rail also took over part of an adjacent municipal park.

Here, on New Year's Eve, BR Blue 73208 can be seen with a work train just short of the work site, the slow lines being fenced off in the vicinity.

photograph by Ian Buck

Closure of the slow lines from Streatham Common resulted in diversions for remaining services to and from Victoria being diverted via the Streatham Spurs, Streatham, Tulse Hill, Herne Hill, Brixton, Clapham High Street and Wandsworth Road. As seen left, some Southern services used the Chatham Reversible Line through Wandsworth Road, which is unusual. 377211 is on its approaches to Victoria on 31st December 2008.

photograph by Ian Buck

photographs by Marie Brumé
The platform indicators at East Croydon for the 11.19 to Watford Junction on 29th December 2008

The most interesting diversion for enthusiasts was that of the Southern East Croydon to Watford Junction service via Herne Hill, providing an unprecedented (unless anyone can recall a previous occassion) non-stop passenger service between Streatham Common and Brompton Road. Ironically this route used to see regular but infrequent and passenger operations with the Cross Country Birmingham - Brighton service, until its demise on 13th December 2008

377213 in platform 5 at East Croydon on 29th December 2008 awaiting departure with the 11.19 to Watford Junction.

photograph by Marie Brumé