12.03.12
Ore upgrade complete
Train services are set to resume from Ashford toHastingsfollowing the completion of a major upgrade. The works took place over the past nine weeks and aim to provide more reliable journeys for passengers and reduce journey times.
The upgrade included strengthening the Ore tunnel, improving drainage and repairing the lining inside to prevent water seeping through.
Other works were scheduled to take place at the same time to reduce disruption. These included renewal of track through the tunnel and around the Ore area, refurbishment of three sets of points, replacement of the rail over road bridges at Doleham and Three Oaks.
Additionally, surveys and maintenance were carried out on an embankment between Ashford and Ham Street, maintenance of 18 bridges and culverts was completed and tamping between Rye and Hastings to enable the speed of the line to be increased in the future.
Fiona Taylor, Network Rail’s route managing director forKent, said: “We thank people for their patience over the last nine weeks. We have carried out a lot of improvements during this time which we hope will deliver a better train service for passengers in the long term.”
Paul Wyborn, Southern area manager, said: “Our passengers have been very understanding throughout the period of work and I would like to thank them for their patience.”
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