Further work planned as landslip rail line reopens
The first Southern service between Tonbridge and Redhill was pictured running on the line this morning for the first time since before the Easter weekend
- Published
Further strengthening work is set to take place on a Surrey railway line newly reopened following a landslip, Network Rail said.
The Tonbridge to Redhill line, operated by Southern, which connects Kent and Surrey reopened on Monday.
It had been closed since the Easter weekend after a landslip at the Bough Beech embankment.
In a statement, Network Rail said: "Further strengthening work will continue once trains have resumed running, this work won’t have an impact on trains that can now run as normal over the line."
Network Rail closed the line between Tonbridge and Redhill at Easter after a landslip at the Bough Beech embankment caused damage to the tracks
Trains resumed running on the line at 07:16 BST on Monday.
A spokesperson for Govia Thameslink Railway, which operates Southern services, said trains were "all back up and running in time for the schools going back".
Engineers from Network Rail have already installed 91 sheet piles and strengthened the railway embankment over a 100m (328ft) section, with soil nails underpinning the railway.
Network Rail said the landslip was caused by "climate change", with last winter being one of the wettest on record.
Network Rail said its engineers would remain on site to continue work in the area but that train services would not be affected
Speaking to BBC South East, Rob Breckon from Network Rail said: "Engineers will remain on site a little while longer to finish off the last remaining works, but this will have no impact on train services which have now resumed."
He reiterated the rail company's apology, adding: "It's been really disruptive the past two weeks and we'd like to say a huge sorry to any passengers, freight customers and local residents nearby who have been impacted by this work and we'd like to say a big thank you for everyone's patience and understanding while we carried out this work."
Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, external, on X, external. Send your story ideas to [email protected] , external or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
- Published13 April
- Published10 April
