28.03.14
Storm-battered Hastings line expected to re-open next week
The full length of the weather-battered Hastings to Tonbridge railway line is expected to be opened to passengers next week.
Network Rail had hoped to fully re-open the route in early March, but the Whatlington embankment slip moved again, despite considerable work having taken place to fix it.
Since then, engineers have been working 24 hours a day to repair the damage and have announced they will be able to re-open the railway early next week.
So far, during the repair works there have been three serious embankment slips on the Hastings to Tonbridge line:
- Embankment near Marley Lane level crossing, near Battle, slipped on 30 January – this resulted in the closure of the Battle/Robertsbridge section.
- Embankment near Whatlington Viaduct, near Battle, slipped on 3 February.
- Embankment near Stonegate station slipped on 9 February – this resulted in the closure of the Wadhurst/Robertsbridge section.
Fiona Taylor, Network Rail’s route managing director for Kent, added that she has been continually impressed by the “patience and understanding” of passengers, during these “difficult times”.
“However, we are confident the line will re-open next week and I would encourage passengers to check before they travel. As soon as it has been proved safe to run trains, we will get things going and we and Southeastern will let you know,” she said.
Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected]