Network Rail to close line for landslip work

Buses will replace trains between Paddock Wood and Maidstone West from 31 October to 3 November

A Kent train line will close at the end of October for four days to allow landslip prevention work to be carried out.

Buses will replace trains between Paddock Wood and Maidstone West from 31 October to 3 November.

Trains will be unable to be serve Beltring, Yalding, Wateringbury and East Farleigh stations.

The rest of the line, between Maidstone West and Strood, will remain open with trains running.

Network Rail will build a 200m wall along the railway line near Teston, approximately 1km from East Farleigh station.

The wall will stop soil and debris from reaching the track in the event of a landslip caused by flooding or heavy rain.

A landslip near Newington after heavy rain closed a main Kent rail line earlier this year

Other work, including repainting and refurbishing the signal box at East Farleigh station, and replacing worn rails at Maidstone West, will also take place during the closure.

Customers who have parking season tickets for the closed stations on the line can use an alternative car park at either Paddock Wood or Maidstone West.

Additionally, the line between Tonbridge and Ashford International will be closed on 3 November, meaning no trains will serve Paddock Wood.

Earlier this year, a main railway line from Kent into London was closed following a landslip Newington.

'Essential work'

David Davidson, Network Rail Kent Route director, said: “It’s important that we identify the sites prone to landslips to ensure that we keep passengers safe.

“Some of the slopes, or cuttings, on either side of our tracks need to be strengthened by improving drainage or adding stronger materials to the slope itself.”

Scott Brightwell, Southeastern Operations and Safety director said: “We fully support the need to carry out this prevention work at a site more prone to the risk of landslips.

“Please check before you travel and thanks in advance for bearing with us while this essential work is carried out.”