Media centre

Monday 5 Sep 2005

ON TIME, ON BUDGET, AND OPEN TO PASSENGERS – TUNNEL TRANSFORMATION WORK COMPLETE

Region & Route:

| Southern

Passengers between Folkestone and Dover saw the light at the end of the tunnel this morning following the completion of the £10 million project to transform the Folkestone tunnels. The 160-year-old Shakespeare, Abbotscliffe and Martello railway tunnels have now been completely overhauled, bringing them in line with modern use. The massive four-month project was completed on time with the first passenger services emerging triumphant from the new-look tunnels earlier this morning. Dave Ward, Network Rail Route Director said: “It is a tribute to the hard work of our project team that such an enormous task has been delivered on time and on budget. These tunnels are 160 years old but this work will ensure they’re fit for use for another 160 years. I would like to thank passengers for their patience while we carried out this essential work which will help us to improve performance and secure the future of this busy line.” Michael Holden, South Eastern Trains Managing Director, said: "I'd like to thank our passengers and people living along the affected route for their understanding over recent months. I'm delighted to see the project completed and feel certain the rejuvenated tunnels will guarantee a more reliable train service on this line for future generations of rail travellers." Work on the three tunnels began in April with up to 200 people a day working round the clock to carry out the repairs. The tunnels are cut through chalk and lined with brick. The ageing brickwork has been re-pointed and repaired with bolts drilled into the tunnel walls; drainage has been improved and some sections have been concreted. Over 5km of track has also been replaced in the Shakespeare and Abbotscliffe tunnels. A full timetable of South Eastern Trains services between Folkestone Central and Dover Priory is now in operation.