Network Rail has announced a nine-day closure to allow for them to strengthen the embankment near Edenbridge.

During the closure, passengers travelling between Redhill and Tonbridge will need to leave extra time for travel and check ahead, as buses will be replacing trains.

From Saturday, 16th August until Monday, 25th August, work will be underway to renew 13 miles of power cables and protect the track from landslides.

Network Rail will also be replacing worn-out rails near Edenbridge to improve the resilience of the railway.

The high-voltage power cable renewal will take place between Nutfield and Leigh, providing a more reliable power supply and will clear out the old cables which are no longer needed.

Landslips have previously caused disruption near Edenbridge recently, and even going back 5 years, so they will be installing a 360-metre-long steel wall on either side of the track to strengthen the embankment.

Network Rail has previously stated that the main underlying issue of this embankment is climate change and its increasing, sudden rainfall.

Their aim is that this work, along with previous drainage work, will help reduce issues in the area.

226 9-inch soil nails will be put into the ground to further strengthen the wall and embankment.

During the closure, 11 bridges will also be undergoing inspection and 200 metres of rail at Godstone will be replaced.

Journeys are expected to take longer than usual during the closure, so passengers should allow extra time. Passengers can check online where they purchased their tickets or check National Rail for updates on times of rail replacement services.

“We know there is never a good time to close the railway and appreciate passengers managing changes to their journey while the line is closed.  

“By working over nine consecutive days in August, we can get the work done much more quickly and avoid weekend after weekend of bus replacement services, which we know is frustrating for our passengers. It also means we won’t disrupt school and college students, who make a significant percentage of passengers on the route in term time. 

“We’ll make the most of the time when the railway is closed to replace more than 13 miles of power cables, between Nutfield and Leigh, ensuring reliable and resilient power to trains and lineside equipment.  

“The embankment at Edenbridge will be strengthened, track replaced at Godstone, bridges along the line will undergo detailed structural inspections and we’ll complete hundreds of crucial maintenance tasks.  

“Thanks for bearing with us and managing the changes to your journey when the line is closed”. 

Lucy McAuliffe, Sussex Route Director, Network Rail