Train services resumed between Redhill and Tonbridge following emergency work by Network Rail engineers to stabilise the railway near Godstone.
The line linking Surrey and Kent was closed for five days between Wednesday 28 October and Sunday 2 November after ground movement was detected beneath the tracks.
During the closure, engineers installed 208 sheet piles along a 126-metre stretch of embankment. The work has strengthened and stabilised the railway, preventing further movement that could otherwise have caused greater disruption to services.
The closure was timed to take place during the school half term to minimise the impact the closure had on local users – many of whom are school children.
To keep passengers moving, rail replacement buses operated between Redhill and Tonbridge across the five days.
Engineers also completed additional track maintenance to help remove some of the speed restrictions which were in place on the line and had been causing trains to run more slowly than normal.
Nad Campbell, project manager for Network Rail, said: “I’d like to thank passengers, and the local community, for their patience and understanding while we carried out these essential repairs to the railway. Engineers worked day and night to carry out these vital repairs and prevent a longer closure.”
Tom Easdown, Southern’s Head of Stations said: “We’re sorry for the disruption caused by this essential work, and I thank our customers for their patience and understanding. We’re really pleased to have restored services for customers and the local community.”
Image credit: Network Rail