Rail passengers in Kent are being advised to plan their journeys carefully as major engineering work is scheduled to take place between Ashford International, Maidstone East, and Borough Green from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 31 May. The nine‑day closure will enable Network Rail to deliver a package of essential upgrades designed to boost long‑term reliability across this strategically important corridor.
Throughout the blockade, accessible replacement buses will operate between affected stations. Southeastern has confirmed that full travel guidance, including ticket acceptance arrangements, will be published ahead of the closure.
Major Engineering Work to Improve Reliability
Network Rail teams will use the nine‑day period to deliver several critical infrastructure improvements, including:
- Rock cutting stabilisation near Maidstone East – Engineers will install new netting and bolts across 1,300 yards of track to reduce rockfall risk. Similar works are scheduled near Wheeler Street tunnel.
- Drainage upgrades at Wheeler Street tunnel – Around 420 metres of drainage will be renewed as part of wider improvements spanning more than three miles through Maidstone East. The enhanced drainage system aims to mitigate water damage and reduce the likelihood of future landslips.
- Track and switch upgrades at Maidstone East – New switches and crossings will be installed at Platform 3, improving performance and reliability.
- Track renewals between Harrietsham, Lenham and Charing – Nearly 2,500 yards of track will be replaced to deliver smoother, more dependable journeys. Additional drainage installation at Lenham will help reduce flooding risk.
"We want to fix this, and we need to do the work as quickly as possible over the nine-day closure rather than during a series of disruptive weekends.
I’d like to thank passengers for their patience while we complete these essential improvements that will help to prevent unplanned closures and delays in the years ahead.”
Additional Work During the Closure
To maximise efficiency and minimise future disruption, engineers will also:
- Inspect bridges at multiple locations between Bearsted and Ashford
- Carry out maintenance across four miles of track
- Examine earthworks, tunnels, and cuttings along the route
- Replace the Ryarsh Lane level crossing near West Malling
Why These Improvements Are Essential
The Ashford–Maidstone East route has experienced several weather‑related ground movement issues across recent years. A major landslip at Bearsted in 2021, for example, required urgent stabilisation works involving thousands of soil nails to secure the slope.
Network Rail says these upgrades will help safeguard the line against similar incidents, reducing the risk of unplanned closures and boosting reliability for both passengers and freight operators.
Image credit: Network Rail
