Details have been released of the shuttle train services and replacement buses/minibuses which will serve stations and communities on the Marshlink line during the forthcoming Ore tunnel work.
Southeast Communities Rail Partnership has worked with Network Rail and Southern to compile a guide to help passengers when the Ore tunnel is closed from Saturday 19 October to Sunday 3 November.
There will be some trains shuttling between Rye and Ashford International. Replacement buses and minibuses will take people between Hastings and Rye.
Network Rail has released some provisional information about the work which you can read here.
SCRP has asked for more detail on behalf of the communities on the line and you can now view/download:
:: A station-by-station day-by-day guide to services here.
:: Details of the replacement buses and locations here.
:: The timings of the Rye-Ashford International train shuttle here.
The work on the Ore tunnel will improve drainage and prevent water seeping through the tunnel walls, preventing future damage to the railway equipment inside it.
Sections of brickwork will also be repaired, with parts of the tunnel lined with sprayed concrete, and 700 yards of track replaced.
Network Rail engineers have scheduled a wide range of other improvement works to reduce future engineering closures.
These include:
:: Replacing 700 yards of track through the tunnel 1,402-yard (1,282 m) long tunnel, and around the Ore area
:: Refurbishing 4 sets of switches and crossings to improve reliability
:: Repairing the footbridge at Ore station and the Briscoe Road bridge in Guestling
:: Surveys and maintenance of embankments/cuttings to prevent landslips
:: Maintenance of drainage culverts between Winchelsea and Hastings
All the work is scheduled to be finished by Monday 4 November.
Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail’s Sussex Route Director, said: “We know there is never a good time to close the railway and we are sorry for the disruption to people’s journeys. Working in cramped tunnels is challenging and unfortunately, due to the nature of the conditions, work takes longer.
“We have planned the work to take place, in part, over the October half-term holidays to reduce disruption to school travel and because trains are typically quieter during school holidays. That means fewer people are likely to be impacted overall.”
Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director for Govia Thameslink Railway, which operates Southern trains, said: “We thank customers for their patience while Network Rail carry out these difficult tunnel repairs and other essential improvements. We’ve arranged replacement buses so customers can complete their journeys, so please check schedules and stopping points in advance and allow plenty of extra time for your trip.”
Passengers are advised to check train times at www.nationalrail.co.uk and plan alternative routes at www.tfl.gov.uk
