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Track linking Kent with East Sussex reopened to trains this morning, as part of a number of engineering projects across the south east over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Network Rail and South Western Railway are thanking passengers for their patience over the August Bank Holiday weekend, while vital engineering work took place across Surrey and Hampshire.

South Western Railway passengers on the Hounslow Loop should be aware that buses replace trains between Kew Bridge and Barnes will be closed between 23 and 31 August while we complete vital strengthening works on Barnes Bridge.

Buses will replace trains on the lines surrounding Guildford over the August Bank Holiday weekend Saturday 23rd August – Monday 25th August while vital engineering improvements are carried out on the South Western Railway network.

The vast majority rail network across Kent and Sussex is open for business this August bank holiday weekend, but passengers are asked to plan ahead and check before they travel as some journeys may be longer as a result of essential upgrade work. 

From Saturday 18 October until Monday 17 November, vital improvements work will fully then partially close the Island Line on the Isle of Wight.

A new type of technology is being trialled on the Tonbridge to Hastings railway line to help keep trains running in hotter weather, and more reliable journeys for passengers and freight customers.

For six weeks starting in late September, drivers using level crossings between Farncombe and Liss should be aware of upcoming road closures as engineers carry out critical upgrades on the railway.