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Tuesday 8 Sep 2026

Hastings line passengers advised to plan ahead this October school half term as buses replace trains for nine days

Region & Route:

Southern: Kent

| Southern

• Buses replace trains between Tonbridge and Wadhurst from Saturday 24 October until Sunday 1 November
• Engineers will renew worn track just south of Tunbridge Wells
• Wider programme of maintenance to take place to keep the railway safe and reliable

Southeastern customers are being advised to plan ahead and leave more time to complete their journeys over the autumn half-term as Network Rail carries out a major programme of railway improvements between Tonbridge and Wadhurst.

The railway will be closed between Tonbridge and Wadhurst from Saturday 24 October until Sunday 1 November, with the closure extending to Battle on the final day, Sunday 1 November. Engineers will use the time when trains are not running to complete essential work to improve reliability, safety and performance on the Hastings line.

Train services from Tonbridge to Charing Cross, Redhill, Ramsgate and Dover Priory will continue as normal over the period.

The main work will renew worn slab track in Grove Hill Tunnel, just south of Tunbridge Wells. Slab track is fixed to a concrete base and is used in some tunnels to strengthen and stabilise the railway. Engineers will replace the old track slab and restore key railway systems in the tunnel.

Scott Brightwell, Director of Safety and Performance, Southeastern, said:

"This programme of work represents another important investment in the Hastings line, helping us to deliver a more reliable railway for passengers and freight customers across Kent and East Sussex.

“The renewal of the slab track at Grove Hill Tunnel is a major piece of engineering and, by combining it with a wide range of other improvements across the route, we're making the most of the time the railway is closed and reducing the need for future disruption.

“We're grateful to passengers and our lineside neighbours for their patience while we carry out this essential work. Please plan ahead and leave more time to travel as rail replacement buses will take longer than the train."

Other work taking place during the line closure

Teams will also use the nine-day closure to complete maintenance, renewal and inspection work across the line.

At Wadhurst Tunnel, teams will carry out maintenance and detailed checks of the tunnel, portals and shafts to help keep the railway safe and reliable.

Near Stonegate, engineers will inspect earthworks, drainage and track conditions to support the long-term resilience of the railway.

At Etchingham, new power equipment will be installed, the station canopy repaired, and nearby bridges and drainage inspected.

Around Robertsbridge and Mountfield, teams will replace worn track parts, inspect Mountfield Tunnel and survey the railway for future upgrades.

Further work across the route includes vegetation management, drainage inspections, routine track maintenance and structural examinations, helping to make the most of the closure and reduce the need for future disruption.

Impact on train services

No trains will run between Tonbridge and Wadhurst between Saturday 24 October and Sunday 1 November.

Rail replacement buses will operate between Tonbridge and Wadhurst throughout the closure. On Sunday 1 November only, when the engineering work extends further south, replacement buses will operate between Tonbridge and Battle.

Journey times will be longer than usual and passengers are advised to check before they travel and allow extra time for their journeys. Customers requiring assisted travel should continue to book assistance in the usual way.

Train services from Tonbridge to Charing Cross, Redhill, Ramsgate and Dover Priory will continue as normal over the period.

Ticket acceptance on other routes

• Tickets will be accepted from Hastings/Ore to Ashford International.
• Tickets will be accepted on our highspeed services between Ashford International and London St Pancras.
• Customers from Stonegate, Wadhurst and Frant can also use the Southern route from Uckfield. Please note that it is a low frequency service throughout the day during the half term and you should check journey planners before you travel.

Car park and station access arrangements

Some station car parks will be affected during the works to support engineering activity and rail replacement bus operations.

At Tunbridge Wells and Frant stations, part of the station car park will be used for construction activity associated with the Grove Hill Tunnel renewal. This will reduce the number of parking spaces available throughout the programme.

At Etchingham, Robertsbridge, Stonegate and Wadhurst, passengers should be aware that station car parks will be required for rail replacement bus operations, including bus turning and layover facilities. Parking capacity may therefore be reduced and some areas will need to be kept clear throughout the closure.

Please be aware that the car park at Tonbridge station is expected to be very busy during the closure as people drive to the station to connect with rail services. Customers are advised to arrive early to secure a space.

Passengers travelling from affected stations are advised to:

• Allow additional time to park and complete their journey.
• Follow temporary signage and the instructions of station staff.
• Consider alternative transport arrangements where practical.
• Check journey planners before travelling for the latest train and rail replacement bus information.

Sunday 27 September 2026

Passengers should also be aware that further engineering work at Tonbridge on Sunday 27 September will affect Southeastern and Southern services. Hastings line trains from London Charing Cross will only run as far as Sevenoaks, with additional trains operating between Wadhurst and Hastings. Services to Ramsgate and Dover via Tonbridge will be diverted via Maidstone East, while replacement buses will operate between Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Paddock Wood and Wadhurst. Southern services between Edenbridge and Tonbridge will also be replaced by buses. Passengers are advised to check before they travel and allow extra time for their journeys.

www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/travel-information/service-updates/planned-engineering-work