Media centre

Monday 11 Apr 2005

£10 MILLION TRANSFORMATION OF FOLKESTONE TUNNELS SET TO BEGIN

Region & Route:

| Southern

Network Rail has confirmed full details of the £10 million transformation of the Folkestone railway tunnels on the route between Dover and Folkestone Central stations. A bus replacement service will be in operation when the railway between the two stations closes from Saturday 30 April until Monday 5 September 2005. This will allow Network Rail to completely overhaul the 160-year-old Shakespeare, Abbotscliffe and Martello railway tunnels. Dave Ward, Network Rail Route Director said: “Work to the tunnels is essential for the future of this busy line. The age of the tunnels is starting to affect the reliability of the route 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 benefits to passengers.” The tunnels are cut through chalk and lined with brick. The ageing brickwork will be repaired with bolts drilled into the tunnel walls and bricks re-pointed; drainage will also be improved and some sections will be concreted. Michael Holden, South Eastern Trains Managing Director said: “This work is an investment in the railway in Kent and is necessary to prevent future problems. We will be working closely with Network Rail to minimise disruption for passengers and to ensure that the alternative transport arrangements run as smoothly as possible.” Information posters and electronic displays at local stations give details of the revised timetable, as well as alternative routes and replacement bus services. The work was planned following consultation with local councils and stakeholder groups.