Media centre

Sunday 2 Mar 2014

Media Update: Hastings-Tonbridge reopening delayed

Region & Route:

| Southern

Plans to reopen the full length of the Hastings to Tonbridge line tomorrow (Monday) have suffered a setback after a landslip under repair started moving again.

Full repairs were completed on the Stonegate and Battle landslips last week, following a month of round-the-clock working by Network Rail engineers. The slip at Whatlington was due for completion over the weekend.
Unfortunately, it was found to have started moving again on Friday night, before the repairs were complete, putting back reopening by several days.
Network Rail's route managing director for Kent, Fiona Taylor, said: "We are sorry for the delay in opening the route and we know how important it is to get people back on trains. However, we have to put safety first and in this instance the movement of the landslip means it will not be safe to run trains over it for a few more days.
"Thankfully we had a team on site working on the slip so we were able to take immediate action.
"In the meantime we are working with Southeastern on a new plan for the week ahead.
"Passengers are advised to check before they travel for first part of the week and we will will work with the operator to keep them informed of any further developments."