They also carried out bridge inspections and repairs and on the approaches to Mountfield tunnel, 1,000 square metres of cutting was strengthened with almost 340 soil nails, which will help to prevent debris and soil from reaching the track.

A Southern train arrives at Hastings station. // Credit: Network Rail

The footbridge at West St Leonards station was also given a refresh, with the metal treated and given a repaint.

An unexpected additional section of work was also carried out next to the River Brede, where engineers stopped a landslip by strengthening the embankment and lifting a speed restriction.

“We would like to thank customers for their patience while we carried out this essential work during the half-term in Sussex to help deliver better journeys.

“The closure was a continuation of the significant investment we have made in the Hastings line over recent years to address challenges that go back to the line’s construction over 170 years ago.

“Our integrated railway meant that we could also use the opportunity to carry out further improvements to minimise future disruption, and by doing it over consecutive days it was more efficient and less disruptive.”
Bob Coulson, infrastructure director for the South Eastern Railway