Travel chaos has hit London’s busiest train station after a “security alert” temporarily prompted its closure.
Waterloo Station, which serves around 250,000 people per day, was closed shortly after 7.10am this morning.
The closure resulted in major disruption on the Waterloo & City Line.
The Northern Line was also closed between Battersea Power Station and Camden Town.
Transport for London said: “No service between Battersea Power Station and Camden Town via Charing Cross while we respond to a security alert. GOOD SERVICE on the rest of the line.”
Earlier this morning, TFL said: “This station is closed while we respond to a security alert. Tickets are being accepted on London Buses.”
Waterloo Station had been reopened at 7.40am, Transport for London confirmed.
“Waterloo Station has reopened,” TFL simply added.
Trains from Waterloo Station will be affected by engineering work
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GETTYMajor engineering work had already caused disruption for commuters and revellers hoping to reach Waterloo over the festive period.
Engineering work closed various lines between December 27, lasting until January 4.
National Rail said: “A reduced and amended service will run to/from London Waterloo.
“Trains on some routes may also be revised to start/terminate at alternative stations, and they may stop at fewer or different stations to normal.
General view of Waterloo Station | PA
“All changes are shown in the National Rail Enquiries Journey Planner.”
Meanwhile, no trains will call at Queenstown Road (Battersea) until January 2.
A reduced service will also run between Barnes and Clapham Junction on January 3, forcing some trains to start or terminate at Woking, Basingstoke and Clapham Junction instead of at London Waterloo.
More than 350 skilled workers will carry out the engineering work near the Queenstown Road area.
People in London Waterloo station, London | PA
Engineers will replace eight sets of switches and crossings.
More than 1,000 metres of track will also be changed between Nine Elms Junction and Clapham Junction.
Workers will carry out an upgrade to signals, signalling equipment and track circuits in the area to enhance the efficiency, and reliability of train movements.
Separate alterations will also be made to Platform 2 at Queenstown Road (Battersea) station.
A member of staff assists a person at the ticket machines in Waterloo Station train station in London | PA
A number of tube lines faced partial closures and reduced services this morning as millions of Britons prepare to return to work after the festive period.
The District Line faces partial closure between Earl’s Court and Kensington Olympia as part of ongoing travel changes over the festive period.
Meanwhile, there is a reduced service on the Elizabeth Line, with no arrivals at London Liverpool Street.
The Piccadilly Line and Overground Mildmay, Weaver and Windrush services also face partial closures
Meanwhile, National Rail reports special services in place across the country.
