Network Rail has been working across Kent and Sussex to keep the railway open ahead of the August bank holiday; however, some work will remain ongoing, so passengers are advised to check before they travel.

Lewisham station will be closed on the 24th and 25th August to allow for new signalling equipment buildings to the installed.

The work is part of the £90 million Lewisham resignalling scheme, which will see the 1970s signalling equipment replaced.

Additionally, the Bexleyheath line will be closed on both dates, with replacement buses in place to replace services.

Resurfacing of a level crossing at Roffey Road in Horsham will take place, meaning that the line between Three Bridges and Horsham will be closed all day on the 24th August.

Buses will also be in place here, running between Three Bridges and Horsham, with trains continuing between Horsham and Bognor Regis.

Ahead of its reopening on the 26th August following a 10-day closure, final works will be carried out on the Redhill to Tonbridge line.

Further work to replace 13 miles of power cables between Nutfield and Leigh, as well as helping to prevent future landslips near Edenbridge through strengthening the embankment using a steel wall.

The previous landslides near Edenbridge, both recent and dating back years, near Edenbridge have caused significant disruption over the years and will see 360 metre long walls installed at both sides of the track with 226 soil nails driven into the ground to solidify the walls’ position.

They will also be replacing worn-out track and completing further maintenance work on structures and equipment.

Lastly, 11 bridges will be undergoing structural inspections at numerous places along the line, and Godstone will see 200 metres of track replaced.

Further information on travel disruptions can be found on Network Rail’s website or on National Rail’s website.

“The vast majority of the rail network in Kent and Sussex remains open for business over the August bank holiday, but with vital upgrade work necessary at a few locations on the network, our message to customers in south east London and parts of west Kent and East Sussex is to please check before you travel as your journey may take longer.” 

David Davidson, chief operating officer for the South Eastern Railway