Kentish Town station closure
Why we're doing the work
The station's two escalators need to be replaced to improve customer reliability.
These escalators are the poorest performing on the Tube network. They often cause last-minute station closures and disruption for customers. We're also having trouble finding spare parts for the existing escalators, which are 26 years old and now obsolete.
We explored all possible options for how the station could stay open during the works. But for safety and space reasons, this was not possible.
Until the escalators are replaced, the station is at high risk of short-notice closures.
What we're doing
We're replacing the station's two aging escalators with modern machines. These are used across the TfL network, including the Elizabeth line.
This will make sourcing parts easier. And the new machines are expected to last around 40 years.
We're also making the following improvements:
- Removing the redundant ticket office and realigning the ticket barriers. This will allow more space and ticket gates for customers
- Painting and deep cleaning the station
- Installing new floor and wall tiling
- Improving signage
Project updates
While making the planned improvements, we found that we needed to do more complex and time-consuming repairs. We now expect to be able to reopen the station at the end of 2024.
The work to fully replace both escalators at the station is progressing well. We're on track to install the new escalators this summer. We've also identified essential assets that need complex work and time to repair.
We're looking at all possible options to reopen the station quickly. We want to do this without compromising the safety of our customers and colleagues. This includes looking at whether we can safely reopen the station, while some works continue safely behind hoardings.
If you have questions, concerns or want to sign up for email updates, get in touch by emailing KentishTownTubeStationProject@tfl.gov.uk.
Alternative routes
For help planning your journey around Kentish Town, check our Kentish Town travel advice page.
