Rail line closes for nine days for upgrade work

A railway line in Kent has closed for nine days so that upgrade works can be completed.

The line between Borough Green & Wrotham and Ashford International, via Maidstone East, will be closed until 31 May as Network Rail complete works for the "long-term reliability" of the line.

During the closure, buses will replace trains with services running from Borough Green to London and also from Ashford. Stations that will have no service include West Malling, Bearsted and Lenham.

Passengers have also been told they can use services from Maidstone West to Paddock Wood to connect with services to London, which is 17 minutes quicker than using a bus and train to the capital.

Works will include improving drainage in the Wheeler Street tunnel between Maidstone East and Bearstead, replacing nearly 2,500 yards of track between Harrietsham and Charing, and the replacement of the level crossing at Ryarsh Lane near West Malling.

The line had to partially close in 2021 after a landslip in the Bearsted area.

The closure will be in place for nine days over the May school holidays as fewer people typically travel in this period. Network Rail added it would also mean fewer weekend closures in the future.

David Davidson, chief operating officer for Southeastern Railway, said: "The Ashford to Maidstone East line is an extremely busy part of our railway, but the rock cuttings here are more than 150 years old.

"As a result, we are seeing an increasing number of weather and ground movement related incidents which cause delays to our customers.

"I'd like to thank passengers for their patience while we complete these essential improvements that will help to prevent unplanned closures and delays in the years ahead."

In the most recent timetable change, more services were added between London Charing Cross and Maidstone East, as well as the re-introduction of rush hour services between London Blackfriars and Maidstone East.

Southeastern said more services, including the introduction of Sunday trains between Charing Cross and Maidstone East, would take place from the December timetable change.

Passengers can check journeys, including bus times, on the Southeastern website.

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