Line closure between Tunbridge Wells and Hastings
From 22 - 30 October
From Saturday 22 to Sunday 30 October 2022 (inclusive), the line will be closed
Last updated 24 October
While the line is closed Network Rail engineers will be replacing the track in Wadhurst tunnel and stabilising the embankments to prevent landslips. This is part of an ongoing project under the £1.25bn South East Upgrade to help improve performance and reliability.
A limited replacement bus service will operate between Tunbridge Wells and Hastings.If you do need to travel and don’t want to use the replacement bus, then tickets will be accepted at no extra cost on the following routes:
- Southeastern Highspeed services between Ashford and London St Pancras (please be aware these services are expected to be very busy at peak times)
- Southeastern services between Ashford and London via Tonbridge
Southern Rail services between:
- St Leonards Warrior Square, Hastings and Ashford (for connection to Southeastern services to London)
- St Leonards Warrior Square, Hastings and London (via Lewes)
Passengers from Stonegate, Wadhurst and Frant can use the Southern Rail route from Uckfield. However, this is a low frequency service, so please check before you travel.
Car parking
Southeastern car park season ticket holders can park at Tonbridge, Marden and Paddock Wood. You can also use Crowborough, Eridge and Uckfield station car parks at no extra cost.
You can find out more about the service changes during the line closure on our planned engineering work page.
Why are you doing a nine-day closure?
The timing of the closure has been carefully planned with our partners at Network Rail to coincide with the October school half-term when less people use our trains and there may be more flexibility with your travel plans. There are also more replacement buses available during the school holidays.
Closing the line for nine consecutive days means there is less overall disruption, and the benefits are delivered sooner.
This essential work will reduce the number of delays in the long term and help to improve the reliability of our services.
Find out more about the improvement work on the Hastings line on the Network Rail website: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/kent/wadhurst-tunnel/