Thursday 27 Mar 2014
Hastings-Tonbridge rail line to reopen
- Region & Route:
- | Southern
After weeks of round-the-clock work, Network Rail engineers are on track to re-open the full length of the Hastings to Tonbridge railway line to passengers next week.
As the line will re-open as soon as it is safe to do so, passengers are encouraged to check before they travel early next week.
Three serious landslips in late March and early February caused considerable disruption to passengers’ journeys as trains could not safely run over the damaged railway.
Network Rail had hoped to fully re-open the route in early March, but the Whatlington slip moved again, despite considerable work having taken place to fix it. Since then, engineers have been working 24 hours a day to repair the damage and have announced they will be able to re-open the railway early next week.
Network Rail’s route managing director for Kent, Fiona Taylor, said: “This has been a really difficult time for passengers on the line and I have been continually impressed by their patience and understanding. We have had a serious engineering challenge to meet at Whatlington, as well as at the other landslip sites, and it has taken a huge effort from everyone to get to this position.
“We are confident the line will re-open next week and I would encourage passengers to check before they travel. As soon as it has been proved safe to run trains, we will get things going and we and Southeastern will let you know.”
Alison Nolan head of customer services said: “We would like to thank customers for their continued patience while Network Rail have worked long and hard to fix the line. As soon as we are given the all-clear to run trains we will let everyone know. Keep an eye on our website or sign up for email alerts and listen out for announcements.”
Buses have replaced trains between Battle and Robertsbridge since January 30. Test trains will run over the repaired slip at Whatlington before the line is open to passengers.
See www.southeasternrailway.co.uk for up to date travel information or www.nationalrail.co.uk
Notes to editors
There have been three serious embankment slips on the Hastings to Tonbridge line.
Embankment near Marley Lane level crossing, near Battle, slipped on January 30.
This resulted in the closure of the Battle/Robertsbridge section.
Embankment near Whatlington Viaduct, near Battle, slipped on February 3.
Embankment near Stonegate station slipped on February 9.
This resulted in the closure of the Wadhurst/Robertsbridge section.
Robertsbridge to Wadhurst reopened on Monday, March 3.
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