Waterloo Road in south London is still closed weeks after a gas leak, according to Southwark News. The Southwark Liberal Democrats say residents have been left without clear information about when the road will reopen.

Key points

  • Closure since 21 September — A section of Waterloo Road has been shut since 2pm that day.
  • Evacuation — About 400 office workers and 200 people from the Old Vic Theatre were moved out as a precaution.
  • Bus diversions — Routes 1, 68, 172, 176, 188, SL6, N1, N68, N171 and BL1 towards Waterloo are among those affected.

The leak was reported outside the Old Vic Theatre, and the fire brigade worked to fix a rupture to an 18-inch gas main under the road. The repairs were finished by 8pm the same day, but the stretch between The Cut and Baylis Road to the north and Gray Street to the south has stayed shut ever since.

Bus diversions have been in place for several routes, including 59, 139 and C10, which are missing stops around Waterloo Station, The Old Vic and Lower Marsh. This has caused heavy traffic on nearby roads, with five buses seen at one bus stop on Westminster Bridge Road two weeks ago.

Graham Neale, a Liberal Democrat councillor for St George's Ward, has asked SGN, the gas distribution company, and Transport for London to give residents clear information about the remaining work and a realistic timetable for reopening.

"An emergency gas leak is a serious matter, and public safety must come first," he said. "But residents are entitled to ask why Waterloo Road remains closed weeks after the immediate gas leak was reported as resolved."

He added that public transport users have faced substantial disruption because of the diversions, and that for those needing to get to hospital this can mean extra cost and worry. In an area where few people own cars, reliable buses are essential, he said, and residents should not be left to sort out different travel plans on their own.

Neither TfL nor SGN responded to requests for comment from Southwark News.

Editor's comment

What it means in practice

For people living and working in Waterloo, the ongoing closure means longer journeys and more crowding on diverted buses. Until TfL or SGN provides a clear timeline, planning ahead is the best way to avoid delays.

  • Check before you travel — Use TfL's journey planner or app to see which buses are running and where stops have changed.
  • Allow extra time — Routes around Waterloo Station and Lower Marsh are affected, so add time for connections or consider walking where possible.
  • Ask for updates — If the closure affects you regularly, contact TfL or SGN to ask when the road will reopen and what work remains.