Media centre

Tuesday 11 Jan 2005

£10 MILLION POUND INVESTMENT FOR FOLKESTONE TUNNELS

Region & Route:

| Southern

Three 160-year-old railway tunnels between Dover and Folkestone Central are to undergo a £10 million make over. From 30 April to 5 September 2005 the tunnels; Shakespeare, Abbotscliffe and Martello, will be closed for essential maintenance work to take place. Dave Ward, Network Rail Route Director said: “The age of the tunnels is starting to affect the performance of the railway as we are having to close them on a more regular basis for repairs. This work is absolutely essential if we are to continue to improve performance and deliver passenger benefits.” The tunnels are cut through chalk and brick lined. Repairs will take place to the ageing brickwork with bolts drilled into the tunnel walls, bricks re-pointed, drainage improved and some sections concreted. Mr Ward continued:  “Passengers who use the railway between Dover and Folkestone will be affected.  We are currently working with South Eastern trains to deliver the best alternative travel arrangements for their passengers.” Environmental and ecological surveys will be undertaken before any work is carried out.   Travel arrangements during the closure will be released as soon as they are finalised.