The line between Hastings and Tunbridge Wells will close for a week, starting from Good Friday, for major upgrade.
These works are part of the Network Railway’s improvement programme.
The line was constructed in the early 1850s and due to this, the line has “suffered reliability problems since it opened, notably around the earthworks – cuttings and embankments – which carry the line through the rolling countryside of Kent and East Sussex”.
A Railway Network spokesperson said: “From Friday 7 to Saturday 15 April 2023, the third blockade in a series of planned works on the Hastings line will take place meaning the line will be closed between Tunbridge Wells and Hastings as engineers deliver the final major improvements to the railway.
“Over the 9-day closure we will stabilise cuttings and embankments at Wadhurst, Frant and Snape Wood to keep passengers safe from delays caused by landslips.
“At Wadhurst and Frant sections of reinforced concrete wall will be built and dangerous vegetation removed to stop trees and soil reaching the tracks.
“On sections of line near Snape Wood hundreds of 5m long soil nails will be driven into the cutting to keep the slopes stable.
“In the Mountsfield tunnel near Robertsbridge 500m of track will be replaced and sections of the track slab rebuilt.
“The track slab acts as a track bed for the running rails, conductor rail and sleepers in the tunnel, as well as supporting the tunnel structure.
“The existing track slab was built in the 1970s and needs replaced after 50 years of wear and tear.
“We’ll be working over a concentrated period of nine consecutive days to reduce disruption to passengers, whilst fast-tracking the reliability and safety benefits.”
From 7 – 15 April replacement buses will run between:
- Tunbridge Wells and Hastings calling at St Leonards Warrior Square only.
- Tunbridge Wells and Hastings, calling at Wadhurst only.
- Tunbridge Wells and Battle calling at all stations.
- Battle and Hastings calling at all stations except Crowhurst.
- Battle and Crowhurst minibus shuttle.
