Nine-day rail closure begins for track upgrades

A nine-day closure of a stretch of rail track for improvements has begun, impacting journeys in parts of west Kent and East Sussex.

The line between Tonbridge and Wadhurst is closed until 1 November, with the closure extending to Battle on the final day.

Buses will replace trains where they can't run, but services from Tonbridge to London, Ashford and Redhill will be unaffected by the closure. A shuttle train service will operate between Wadhurst and Hastings.

The main work will renew worn slab track in Grove Hill Tunnel, just south of Tunbridge Wells.

Slab track is fixed to a concrete base and is used in some tunnels to strengthen and stabilise the railway.

Network Rail said the works were "essential" and would affect reliability, safety and performance on the Hastings line.

Southeastern added sections of track affected by hot temperatures over the summer would be repaired, meaning that some temporary speed restrictions could be lifted.

Works will also take place at Wadhurst Tunnel, Stonegate, Etchingham, Robertsbridge and the Mountfield Tunnel.

As well as replacement buses, tickets will also be accepted on the high speed route between Ashford and London St Pancras, and also on Southern routes between Hastings and Ashford, and Uckfield and London.

Additionally, car parks at some of the affected stations will have a reduced capacity or be fully closed to allow for buses to stop and engineering equipment to be stored.

Scott Brightwell, director of safety and performance at Southeastern, said: "We're grateful to passengers and our lineside neighbours for their patience while we carry out this essential work.

"Please plan ahead and leave more time to travel as rail replacement buses will take longer than the train."

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