Media centre

Monday 17 Jan 2005

TUNNELS OF THE FUTURE REOPEN ON TIME

Region & Route:

| Southern

Higham and Strood tunnels today reopened, on time, to South Eastern train services.  The tunnels had been closed for a year long project to concrete line the walls, install brand new drainage and replace the track. Network Rail’s £35 million investment will raise the track speed from 20mph to 70mph, improve performance, safety and reliability of the assets and above all has secured the future of the tunnels for many years to come. Dave Ward, Network Rail Route Director said: “The two railway tunnels have a long and rich history and we have ensured their usefulness will continue for many years. “Network Rail employed unique techniques and products to concrete line the tunnels within a tight time scale. We are proud of what we have achieved, delivering this project on time for the benefit of Medway’s railway.” Michael Holden, South Eastern Trains’ Managing Director, added: “I’d like to thank our passengers and local residents for their patience over the last year. The completed tunnels will guarantee a more reliable train service on this line for future generations of rail travellers.” The 3.5km tunnels started out life in 1824 as one canal tunnel and were hand cut through chalk.  More than 150 years later and this project was designed to prevent chalk falls – a potential safety risk.  State-of-the-art machinery replaced hand tools and the tunnels were relined with huge, bespoke machinery and self-compacting concrete. This project highlights Network Rail’s commitment to rebuild the railway and protect railway heritage.