Network Rail Begins Nine-Day Hastings Line Closure for Track Work
A nine-day rail closure has begun between Tonbridge and Wadhurst, with buses replacing some trains and the disruption extending to Battle on the final day…
Network Rail has begun a nine-day closure of part of the Hastings line for track improvements, disrupting journeys across parts of west Kent and East Sussex. The line between Tonbridge and Wadhurst is closed until 1 November, with the closure extending to Battle on the final day.
Replacement buses will cover stretches where trains cannot run, while a shuttle train will operate between Wadhurst and Hastings. Services from Tonbridge to London, Ashford and Redhill are not affected, according to the BBC.
The main project will renew worn slab track in Grove Hill Tunnel, just south of Tunbridge Wells. Work is also scheduled at Wadhurst Tunnel, Stonegate, Etchingham, Robertsbridge and the Mountfield Tunnel.
Slab track is fixed to a concrete base and used in some tunnels to strengthen and stabilise railway infrastructure. Network Rail said the work was “essential” and would affect reliability, safety and performance on the Hastings line.
Alternative routes and station changes
Passengers can use replacement buses, and tickets will also be accepted on the high-speed route between Ashford and London St Pancras. Southern routes between Hastings and Ashford, and between Uckfield and London, will also accept tickets, the BBC reported.
Car parks at some affected stations will have reduced capacity or close fully. The spaces are needed for buses to stop and for engineering equipment to be stored, meaning passengers who usually drive to stations may need to make other arrangements.
Southeastern said crews would also repair sections of track affected by hot temperatures over the summer. The company said those repairs could allow some temporary speed restrictions to be lifted.
The disruption means journeys on replacement buses will take longer than train trips. Passengers travelling through the affected area may need extra time, while those using the listed unaffected services can continue to travel by train.
Scott Brightwell, Southeastern’s director of safety and performance, thanked passengers and residents living near the railway for their patience. “Please plan ahead and leave more time to travel as rail replacement buses will take longer than the train,” he said.
The closure runs until 1 November, when the affected section will extend to Battle for its final day.
Source: bbc.co.uk
