21.07.16
Dover to Folkestone line to reopen in autumn
Services will be able to run on the Dover to Folkestone line again from this autumn as Network Rail builds a new viaduct as part of a programme of repairs.
The line, operated by Southeastern, has been closed since the Dover sea wall partially collapsed because of storm damage in December 2015.
The £39.8m repair and rebuilding project involves building a 235m long viaduct, supported by 134 concrete columns. Network Rail noted that the extent of the damage meant reconstruction would be on a much wider scale than the repairs the company had to undertake at Dawlish after storm damage in 2014.
Network Rail’s senior programme manager, Steve Kilby, said: “This project has been a challenging one and normally a scheme of this size would take two years to design and build. We are very proud of everyone’s commitment to get this line open as soon as possible.”
The line was originally due to reopen in December, but the process is ahead of schedule because Network Rail has not had to use contingency measures for interruptions to the project because of bad weather and other delays.
Richard Dean, Southeastern’s Train Service’s director, said the company was currently working hard on a developing a new timetable to account for the re-opening of the line over the Dover sea wall.
He added: “I know passengers have found it difficult since the partial collapse of the sea wall severed the track we run our trains on at Dover. I would like to thank them for their patience.”
(Image c. Network Rail)
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