Trackside homes to get rail works alerts by email

Network Rail is urging lineside neighbours to sign up for a free email alert system

People living next to railways in Kent can now sign up for updates on engineering works by email.

Lineside neighbours, who live within 500m (1,640ft) of a railway line, will receive real-time notifications on emergency and planned works, said Network Rail.

Residents can sign up to the free digital service instead of receiving letters, which cost £1.65 each to send, the company added.

Network Rail's Kent route director David Davidson said: "Letters will of course still be used for those not able to access online systems."

Network Rail said the service will alert neighbours to any disturbances in a clear, accessible way.

Mr Davidson added: "We strive to ensure our line side neighbours are kept up to date on all the latest planned and unplanned engineering work and activity taking place across the railway near their homes, and we believe this new free service will only complement our existing communications."

The service was piloted in 2023 on projects including the Midland Main Line upgrade and Bolton to Wigan electrification scheme.

Using email instead of letter to update lineside neighbours in the Great Manchester area saved £362,988.

Sarah Sanders, head of contact and community, Network Rail said: "We are working hard providing as much notice as possible about our projects, whether its general maintenance or engineering upgrades."