A £10 million project that forced Kent’s busiest railway junction and several stations to shut will come to an end this evening.
Track upgrades at Dartford Junction have affected travel between the town and Gravesend, with work starting on February 14.
Network Rail working on the line between Gravesend and Dartford. Picture: Network Rail/X
Southeastern and Network Rail bosses say the work will improve reliability and performance of the busiest railway junction in Kent.
Across the past nine days, 3,000 tonnes of new ballast have been laid and 57 track panels installed.
Ten sets of switches and crossings – the moveable sections of track that allow trains to change direction – and an extra kilometre of new third rail, which supplies power to trains, have also been put in.
Southeastern’s chief operating officer, David Davidson, previously said a nine-day closure would allow Network Rail to fully complete the job.
“The alternative would be up to 30 weekends, which would be much more disruptive over a longer period,” he said.
Works are due to end today after nine days. Picture: Southeastern
“The work at Dartford Junction, where 650 trains pass every day, is a vital investment in the long-term resilience and efficiency of one of the busiest junctions of our network.”
The pair have now confirmed that today will be the last day of work, bringing to an end bus replacements.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We’re on track for reopening tomorrow morning and the return of a full service.
“The new rail, ballast, conductor rail and points equipment have been installed.
“Thank you to all the passengers who managed changes to their journeys this week.”
There will still be further closures, with follow-up work pencilled in on Sunday, March 1 and Sunday, April 5.