A railway line has closed for nine days while “essential” works take place.
They are being carried out between Tunbridge Wells and Hastings railway stations, and between Bexhill and Hastings from today (October 25) until next Sunday (November 2).
Essential works are being carried out between Tunbridge Wells and Hastings railway stations. Picture: Network Rail
Buses will replace Southeastern trains between Tunbridge Wells and Hastings, and Southern trains between Bexhill and Hastings for the entire period.
Engineers will be carrying out “essential upgrades” to improve the safety and performance of the railway.
Brickwork will be replaced in two tunnels near St Leonards Warrior Square railway station, where drainage will also be upgraded to stop leaks.
Nearly a kilometre of old rails, sleepers, and ballast, the stones that form the track bed, will be replaced between Etchingham railway station and Mountfield tunnel.
The ballast is also being replaced between Castle Bridge and Riverhall.
Buses will replace Southeastern trains between Tunbridge Wells and Hastings railway stations. Picture: Google Maps
Engineers will be refurbishing the moveable rails and replacing the track circuits at Frant railway station and Wadhurst tunnel.
Vegetation will also be cleared across the line.
Passengers are being advised to allow extra time for their journeys and to check before they travel.
Tickets will be accepted on Southeastern routes between Hastings and Ashford International, and on high-speed services between Ashford International and London St Pancras, at no extra cost.
David Davidson, chief operating officer for Southeastern, said: “We’d like to thank passengers for their patience while we carry out this essential work.
We know that closures are disruptive, and we’re doing everything we can to keep people moving…
“We’ve invested significantly in the Hastings line in recent years to address challenges that go back to the line’s construction over 170 years ago, and the work we are doing at the end of October is part our continued commitment to improving journeys for passengers.
“We know that closures are disruptive, and we’re doing everything we can to keep people moving with replacement buses and clear travel information.
“We know from previous experience that carrying out work over consecutive days allows us to do more work, more efficiently and with less overall impact on our customers.”
Southern’s customer service director Jenny Saunders added: “The line between Eastbourne and Ashford provides important connectivity for the towns along its route, and these works will help ensure the infrastructure stays reliable for years to come.
“There is never a good time to close the railway, but we will have plenty of staff, and buses, to help passengers complete their journey.”