There will be closure of the Bexleyheath line during the February half term next year (Saturday 15th – Sunday 23rd February 2020) to carry out major work to protect passengers from disruption caused by landslips.
After four landslips in the past ten years, the last one in February this year, blocking the line for seven days, £6.6 million is being invested to provide a safe permanent solution.
To prevent future landslips Network Rail will:-
- Reduce the steepness of the cutting slopes by removing 2,500 tonnes of mud and trees
- Build retaining walls along both sides of the cutting, stretching 650 metres with 8,000 new tonnes of material such as gravel and concrete.
- The walls are made from steel beams, which are vibrated and driven into the ground six metres deep and then finished with huge concrete blocks and will stop any future landslips from reaching the tracks.
Also Network Rail are bringing forward other infrastructure improvements in the area as well as essential maintenance at the affected stations.
This will not only reduce the amount of engineering works in the future but give passengers the reliability benefits much sooner.
Over the 9 days to keep people moving Southeastern and Network rail will:
- Close between Kidbrooke station and Barnehurst station only, where buses will replace trains.
- The Woolwich and Sidcup lines and the Charlton to Blackheath link will remain open.
- Run additional or longer trains where possible
- Run rail replacement bus services and tickets will be accepted on all other reasonable routes.
More detailed information on the exact times of alternative train and bus replacement services will be available nearer the closure.
Network Rail and Southeastern will undertake a large-scale passenger awareness campaign to ensure everyone is totally aware of the closures, the impact on journeys, the alternative travel options available to them and the benefits the work will bring to south east London.
They will write to local residents about the work and how they may be impacted. Drop-in sessions will be held closer to the work with more information and the opportunity for neighbours to speak to the project team.
For more information contact Network Rail’s National Helpline on 03457 114141 or on Twitter contact @NetworkRailSE
