Media centre

Friday 28 Feb 2014

Trains to run again on full Hastings to Tonbridge line as landslip repairs near completion

Region & Route:

| Southern

Network Rail engineers are on target to complete work to rebuild three collapsed sections of railway in Sussex by Monday, March 3.

Landslips at Stonegate, Whatlington and Battle have meant a month of disruption for passengers on the line from Hastings to Tonbridge, with buses replacing trains on a section of the route between Wadhurst and Battle.

After four weeks of round-the-clock working, Network Rail has repaired the slips to the extent that trains will be able to run along the whole length of the route from the start of service on Monday morning.

Network Rail’s route managing director, Fiona Taylor, said: “This has been a very difficult time for passengers on the Hastings line and we understand the need to get trains running safely again as soon as possible.

“We have now restored the track across the most serious of the landslips, at Stonegate, after delivering more than 10,000 tons of stone to repair the damage, and by Monday Southeastern will be able to get their trains running again across all three repaired slips.

“It has been a huge effort from our dedicated engineers and contractors, in often atrocious conditions, and my thanks go to them and to the passengers for their patience. I’m also aware of the efforts made by Southeastern’s staff, who have kept passengers informed through the disruption.

“There will need to be more work on the route in the coming months, although very much less disruptive, as we get to grips with the remaining damage at other locations.”

Michelle Ulyatt, customer relations manager at Southeastern, said: “We’re pleased that the line between Hastings and Tonbridge will reopen on Monday following the repairs that Network Rail has carried out. It’s good news for everyone on the route and we’d like to thank our passengers for their patience. Thanks also go to our staff, who have worked so hard in the interests of customers during the repairs.

“Services on the route will initially run to an amended timetable due to speed restrictions, so please check our website or download our ‘On Track’ app for the latest updates and information about your travel options."