Media centre

Monday 25 Apr 2005

COUNTDOWN BEGINS FOR TUNNEL TRANSFORMATION

Region & Route:

| Southern

The start of the £10 million transformation of the Folkestone railway tunnels is just a week away with the railway between Dover and Folkestone Central stations closing from Saturday 30 April. A bus replacement service will be in operation between the two stations until Monday 5 September, allowing Network Rail to completely overhaul the Shakespeare, Abbotscliffe and Martello railway tunnels. John Kingsnorth, Network Rail Project Manager said: “These tunnels are now 160 years old and their age 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. Up to 200 people a day will be working round the clock on site over the next four months to renovate the tunnels and bring them in line with modern use.” The tunnels are cut through chalk and lined with brick. The ageing brickwork will be re-pointed and repaired with bolts drilled into the tunnel walls; drainage will also be improved and some sections will be concreted. Over 5km of track will also be replaced in the Shakespeare and Abbotscliffe tunnels. 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.” On Saturday 30 April only, the lines between Ashford International and Dover Priory will also be closed to allow the project team to segregate the Folkestone tunnels worksite from the rest of the operational railway. South Eastern Trains will operate replacement bus services hourly between Ashford International and Dover Priory including a fast bus service calling at Folkestone Central only, and a stopping bus service calling at all stations. An additional train service will also operate half-hourly between Dover Priory and Ramsgate calling at all stations.