Network Rail engineers will carry out emergency works near Godstone between Wednesday 28 October and Sunday 1 November inclusive to stabilise the railway following a landslip, with buses replacing trains between Redhill and Tonbridge during this time.
Engineers monitoring embankments in the Surrey area have detected movement in the ground beneath the track in Godstone. To keep trains safely running a speed restriction has been imposed until the works can get underway on Wednesday.
Passengers are advised to check online before travelling and to allow extra time for their journeys. The car park at Redhill Station will also be partially closed to accommodate the replacement buses running between Redhill and Tonbridge.
During next week’s five day closure, a 126-metre stretch of embankment will see 208 sheet piles installed to stabilise and strengthen it, and prevent further movement that would otherwise have a greater impact on services. At the same time, engineers will also be carrying out extra maintenance work on the tracks to help towards removing some of the speed restrictions which are currently requiring trains to run at slower speeds than normal.
Nad Campbell, project manager for Network Rail, said: “We’re sorry for the disruption and short notice. We know closing the line between Redhill and Tonbridge will frustrate passengers, and we have not taken this decision lightly.
“Our engineers will work around the clock to install a metal wall that will prevent further ground movement.
“Our teams are preparing the site ahead of the closure. Until then, we will continue monitoring the affected area and take any additional measures needed to keep the railway safe.
“Thank you for your patience while we carry out these essential repairs. We’ll do everything we can to reopen the railway as soon as possible.”
Tom Easdown, Southern’s head of stations added: “I know how disruptive this closure will be to our customers between Redhill and Tonbridge, and I’m sorry for the impact this will have on journeys next week.
“We’re working hard behind the scenes, with our colleagues at Network Rail, to keep people moving, including arranging bus services, ticket acceptance and all of the latest information will be available on our website.”
Image credit: Network Rail