A week-long project to prevent landslips on the Hastings line between Tunbridge Wells and Hastings has been successfully completed.
Over 100 engineers carried out work along the 160-year-old route to reduce the risk of landslips.
Extreme weather related to climate change means that continual monitoring, and improvement of the rail network is required.
During the line's closure over the October half-term, five stations along the line were cleaned, repainted, had their platform surfaces improved, and biodiversity enhancements out in place.
Major engineering projects were also carried out at multiple locations, including both ends of Wadhurst Tunnel, Strawberry Hill, Churchsettle, Nevill Golf Club, and Crowhurst.
Embankments and cuttings were shored up using a variety of engineering approaches, including sheet piling, soil nails, and rock anchors.
Although closing the line was inconvenient for passengers, Network Rail took the opportunity to lay new tracks and carry out a series of station improvements, including vegetation clearance, repainting platform markings, and deep cleans.
New platform tactiles were installed at Etchingham to aid the visually impaired, whilst a major refurbishment of the station's footbridge will continue until mid-December.
As part of a drive to improve biodiversity along the line, diseased and non-native trees were replaced at various locations to make the habitat more suitable for native species.
Fiona Taylor, Network Rail's Route Director for Kent, said “I'm really grateful to passengers for their patience while we've had the line closed for engineering works between Hastings and Tunbridge Wells.
“The line is one of the oldest in the country and we have been working hard to make it truly fit for the 21st century and resilient against the impacts of climate change.”
Steve White, Southeastern Managing Director, said “Reducing the risk of landslips caused by bad weather helps us to deliver the reliable and punctual service that our customers deserve.
“I'd like to say a big thank you to our passengers for bearing with us and changing their travel plans while this essential work was carried out. I'm really pleased that the project was completed on time and our trains were running again as scheduled from Saturday.”
Gareth White, Operations Manager for BAM Nuttall, which carried out the works, said “The works undertaken to stabilise the cutting at Wadhurst, and the completion of other necessary works on the line, are all part of our plans to make sure that we are putting the safety and wellbeing of passengers first.
“We are proud to be working alongside Network Rail and to have the support of our subcontractors, who helped us deliver this impressive milestone. We would also like to thank the residents in the vicinity for their understanding and patience during this time.”
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