It’s a scene that’s become all too familiar for Londoners hustling through Euston Station: a sprawling, ankle-deep puddle stretching across Upper Woburn Place, splashing unsuspecting commuters and turning a vital route into an obstacle course. Despite recent repair efforts, the notorious "Euston puddle" has made an unwelcome return as of November 14, 2025, once again soaking travelers and reigniting frustration among locals, disability advocates, and officials alike, according to BBC and other local news outlets.
The problem, which has plagued the junction of Upper Woburn Place and Euston Road for years, is more than just an inconvenience. After rainfall, the massive pool of water forms at the busy intersection, leaving commuters with a tough choice: risk missing their train by detouring around the flood, or brave the waves from passing traffic and hope to avoid a soaking. It’s not just able-bodied travelers affected—disability groups warn that the flooding blocks crucial crossings for blind and partially sighted people, particularly those making their way to Moorfields Eye Hospital.
“It stops people from crossing safely at this busy corner next to Euston Station and risks them getting soaked,” Camden Council’s Adam Harrison told the BBC. For years, the Council has pressed Transport for London (TfL) to take decisive action. The recurring puddle, which can span several meters, not only disrupts pedestrian flow but also puts elderly people and those with mobility issues in harm’s way, sometimes forcing them to dodge traffic or risk being splashed by vehicles.
Even after drainage work was carried out last winter, the problem seemed to have vanished—at least temporarily. The streets were dry for several months, providing a brief respite for those regularly navigating the area. But come July 2025, the puddle reappeared, signaling that the underlying issue was far from resolved. As the BBC noted, “Commuters have been seen wading through deep water to access the station over the past year,” a clear sign that the fix was only temporary.
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has been particularly vocal, urging authorities to act "immediately" to address the hazard. Campaigns officer Clay Nash explained the stakes: “The flood water blocks access to a signal-controlled pedestrian crossing that allows blind and partially sighted people to safely cross the road.” The RNIB warns that if the issue isn’t fixed, the area could become a "no-go zone" for disabled individuals, stripping them of their independence and ability to traverse the city safely—a concern echoed by many in the disability community.
Images circulating on social media and in local news coverage paint a vivid picture. In one, an elderly woman rides her mobility scooter directly through the water, while in another, a black taxi pulls over into the puddle, sending a spray over pedestrians on the pavement. These snapshots capture the daily reality for many, highlighting the urgency of a permanent solution.
Transport for London, which manages Euston Road, has acknowledged the disruption and apologized to commuters. “We believe the issue had been resolved—but now that it has reoccurred we will investigate the new drainage system working with Thames Water,” a TfL spokesperson told the BBC. The agency has pledged to send maintenance teams to the location whenever heavy rain is forecast, aiming to clear significant puddles and mitigate the impact in the short term. Still, for many, these measures feel like a stopgap rather than a true fix.
Thames Water, the utility responsible for much of London’s water infrastructure, has been drawn into the fray as TfL seeks a permanent solution. Both organizations are now working together to investigate and address the root cause of the persistent flooding. While the specifics of the drainage problem remain under study, the repeated failures of previous repairs have left residents and commuters skeptical about how soon relief will come.
For locals, the saga of the Euston puddle has become a symbol of broader infrastructure challenges in a city where aging systems often struggle to cope with modern demands and changing weather patterns. London’s Victorian-era drainage networks, designed for a different era, are increasingly tested by heavier rainfall and urban development, leading to more frequent and disruptive flooding in high-traffic areas.
“It’s not just an eyesore,” one resident remarked to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. “It’s a real barrier, especially for older people and anyone who isn’t steady on their feet.” The sentiment is widespread: while some commuters have learned to time their crossings or wear waterproof footwear, others find themselves caught off guard, drenched and frustrated on their way to work or appointments.
The recurring puddle also raises questions about city priorities and resource allocation. Disability advocates argue that accessible infrastructure isn’t just a matter of convenience—it’s a fundamental right. When a single puddle can block access to a signal-controlled crossing, the consequences ripple far beyond a few wet shoes. “We are concerned the puddle is affecting some people’s ability to walk safely and independently in the area,” the RNIB emphasized, underscoring the broader implications for freedom of movement and social participation.
Camden Council’s repeated calls for a new plan reflect growing impatience with the status quo. “For years we have asked TfL to take action to stop the water collecting,” Adam Harrison said. The Council’s insistence highlights the need for a long-term fix—one that doesn’t just clear water after each storm but prevents the flooding from happening in the first place.
In the meantime, TfL is urging patience and promising to keep the public informed as investigations continue. The agency has encouraged commuters to report large puddles and has committed to deploying maintenance teams quickly when heavy rain is predicted. But as the autumn rains continue and the puddle persists, many remain unconvinced that relief is near.
For now, the Euston puddle stands as both a literal and metaphorical obstacle—a challenge to the city’s ability to provide safe, accessible passage for all its residents and visitors. As officials, engineers, and advocates search for a lasting solution, the hope is that the next chapter in this ongoing saga will finally see dry feet and open crossings for everyone.
