Southeastern services have resumed on the Hastings line following a major improvement programme between Tonbridge and Wadhurst.
The main work was to replace worn slab track and restore key railway systems in Grove Hill Tunnel, just south of Tunbridge Wells. Fixed to a concrete base, slab track strengthens and stabilises the railway in tunnels.
Engineers also carried out essential track maintenance to remove three temporary speed restrictions for customers: two between Crowhurst and Battle, and one between Etchingham and Robertsbridge.
The restrictions were introduced to keep passengers safe after the hottest, driest summer on record caused by the soil beneath parts of the track drying out and shrinking. Recent rainfall restored moisture to embankments, enabling specialist teams to realign the track and lift the restrictions without extending the closure.
Scott Brightwell, South Eastern Railway’s Director of Safety and Performance, said:
“Thank you to our customers and lineside neighbours for their patience and understanding during this essential work.
“This important investment in the Hastings line will help provide a more reliable railway for passengers and freight customers across Kent and East Sussex.
“By working together as an integrated railway, we were able to go further than the work originally planned, arranging additional remedial track work at short notice that removed three temporary speed restrictions and will help reduce delays for our customers."
Teams completed further maintenance, renewals and inspections across the line during the nine-day closure.
At Wadhurst, teams carried out maintenance and detailed inspections of the tunnel, portals and shafts to keep the railway safe and reliable.
Near Stonegate, engineers checked earthworks, drainage and track conditions to strengthen the railway’s long-term resilience.
At Etchingham, teams installed new power equipment, repaired the station canopy and inspected nearby bridges and drainage.
Around Robertsbridge and Mountfield, teams replaced worn track components, inspected Mountfield Tunnel and surveyed the railway for future upgrades.
Elsewhere on the route, teams managed vegetation, inspected drainage and structures, and carried out routine track maintenance, making full use of the closure to reduce future disruption.
