Rail Improvements Bring Long Term Benefits

Essential maintenance and enhancements are being carried out on the railway between Folkestone and Dover to help improve reliability of train services and enable the new Southeastern Highspeed services to operate on the line from December 2009.

The majority of the work will take place in Shakespeare, Abbottscliffe and Harbour tunnels. In Shakespeare tunnel, new walkways will be installed to provide an emergency escape or access route prior to the introduction of the domestic high speed service. In Abbottscliffe and Harbour tunnels, brickwork is being replaced, drainage being improved and the concrete tunnel linings are being reinforced to minimise the risk of serious infrastructure problems in the future. In addition to the tunnel works, Network Rail will also take the opportunity to clear vegetation where required and install new fencing to prevent trespass onto the railway and protect the line from rock falls. This maintenance work will help improve reliability on the line.

The significant nature of this work will require the railway to be closed between Dover Priory and Folkestone East from Saturday 25 July until Sunday 30 August.

Andrew Munden, Network Rail's route director for Kent, said: "This essential work will reduce the risk of major problems occurring on this stretch of line in the future, ultimately making trains more reliable. In addition, without the works in Shakespeare tunnel, passengers in Dover and Folkestone would not be able to benefit from the proposed high speed services."

"There is never a good time to carry out a project of such a large scale, but they are vital if we are to improve the railway in the long-term. Some short term disruption can't be avoided, but we have looked at various different options in order to come up with a plan which will keep it to a minimum."

Sarah Boundy, from Southeastern's customer services, added: "The current work is essential to allow us to introduce the new timetable in December and in particular start running the high speed services to Folkestone and Dover. The work will help substantially improve the service going forward but we appreciate that there will be some inconvenience to passengers. We are working closely with Network Rail to keep disruptions to a minimum and information about the work and replacement bus services are available on our website and at National Rail Enquiries. We hope that passengers will see the long-term benefits for this and thank them for their patience during this period."

A rail replacement bus service will be in operation between Folkestone East and Dover Priory for the duration of the works. Passengers are advised to check with Southeastern (www.southeasternrailway.co.uk) or national rail enquiries (www.nationalrail.co.uk / 08457 48 49 50) before they finalise their travel plans.