Track upgrades completed in Kent and Sussex
Network Rail completes track upgrades in Kent and Sussex over the early May Bank Holiday
Network Rail have confirmed railway track upgrades in parts of Kent and West Sussex have been completed over the bank holiday weekend.
The rail operator said the work aimed to protect the railway from landslips and repair key infrastructure.
Track refurbishment works were undertaken between Sole Street, Strood and Rainham, with engineers carrying out track maintenance, clearing vegetation and inspecting track and structures along the railway, carrying out drainage works at the same time.
Just south of Otford station the finishing touches were made to a new footbridge linking public footpaths in the area, so that a foot crossing can be closed, reducing the risk of accidents.
Work was also carried out on railway embankments between Redhill and Tonbridge, and between Sevenoaks and Paddock Wood, some of which was in preparation for work that will take place later this year.
Network Rail said passengers and nearby residents are now set to benefit from smoother journeys.
Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail’s Sussex route director, said:
“Our engineers worked hard across a number of sites over the long weekend to complete a range of important maintenance and upgrades to keep the railway running safely and reliably.
“We were able to complete a large amount of work simultaneously, which was far less disruptive to passengers than it would have been at any other time. I’d like to thank people for their patience and understanding while we did this work.”