Passengers are urged to plan ahead this Easter while essential engineering work takes place across Kent and south-east London, although more than 90% of the railway will remain open.
Engineers will complete a wide range of essential upgrades to maintain the safe and reliable running of the railway. Works will support long-term reliability, improve track condition, renew signalling equipment and strengthen bridges, cuttings and stations across the network in Kent and south-east London.
Travel advice for customers
David Davidson, chief operating officer for the South Eastern Railway, said: “This Easter, the vast majority of the railway in the south-east will remain open, but there will be a small number of temporary closures in east Kent, south-east London, along the Tonbridge route and the line between Ashford and Dover.
“These upgrades are crucial. Renewing worn infrastructure, improving track quality and boosting the resilience of our network will mean that our passengers can count on smoother, more reliable journeys for years to come.
“Trains will continue to run and where routes are affected, we will have accessible replacement buses ready, and ticket acceptance in place to keep customers moving.
“I want to thank all of our passengers for their patience and understanding as we carry out this vital investment to keep our railway moving forward.”
Planned engineering work
Over the Easter weekend, engineers will:
In Thanet:
- install over 820 yards of new track at Margate station
- replace timbers and ballast – the small stones underneath the track - and repair the steelwork of the central span of the St Peter’s Road railway bridge in Broadstairs
In south-east London:
- continue the long-term upgrade of signals in the Lewisham area, with the installation of new signalling equipment – the railway’s traffic light systems - at Ladywell Junction.
- undertake maintenance of the track at Elmers End and repair the roof canopy at Eden Park station in south-east London.
At Hildenborough:
- undertake track maintenance and drainage repairs at the Hildenborough cutting on the Chislehurst to Orpington/Tonbridge line, a location prone to flooding. A significant flood in October 2024 caused 2,776 minutes of delays to customers.
Between Ashford International and Dover Priory:
- undertake track maintenance between Ashford International and Dover, including repairs to the points at Saltwood Junction, work on the electric ‘third’ rail and install new rails through the Shakespeare Tunnel.
At Dartford:
- undertake follow up work after the replacement of switches and crossings (otherwise known as ‘points’ which allow trains to move from one track to another) that was completed in a major upgrade in February.
