Major train lines in Kent will face closures this weekend for essential engineering works affecting several key stations
Kent: This weekend, several train lines in Kent are going to be closed for engineering work. It’s mainly happening on Sunday, January 12, and it’s going to affect travel through stations like Maidstone West, Ashford International, and Gillingham.
On top of that, there’s also some disruption on the Hayes line. They found damage to the track near Ladywell, and they need a special part to fix it. So, Southeastern is changing up some services on that line while the repairs are going on.
Some trains heading to London won’t stop at Eden Park or New Beckenham during the busy evening hours. And it’s the same for some services coming from London. But don’t worry, during peak times, they’ll still stop at all stations. Southeastern promises to update all journey planners about 24 hours before you travel.
Now, if you’re looking for the full scoop on the engineering works affecting train travel in Kent this weekend, here’s what you need to know.
Southeastern Engineering Works in Kent – Sunday, January 12
Works Between Gravesend and Strood
There will be bus replacements for trains on some key north Kent routes due to the planned works between Gravesend and Strood. Here’s what’s impacted:
Southeastern
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Highspeed Services via Gravesend: Trains between London St Pancras International and Ramsgate via Faversham will only run between London St Pancras International and Ebbsfleet International;
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Sidcup Line: Trains between London Charing Cross and Gravesend won’t be running. However, services that usually run between London Charing Cross and Dartford via Sidcup will operate as normal;
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Medway Valley Line: Trains between Paddock Wood and Strood will only run between Paddock Wood and Maidstone West.
Accessible replacement buses will be available between:
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Ebbsfleet International and Strood, stopping at Gravesend only;
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Dartford and Gillingham, stopping at all stations except Higham;
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Gravesend and Maidstone West, stopping at all stations except Higham;
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Gravesend and Strood minibus stopping at Higham.
Thameslink
All day Sunday, there won’t be any Thameslink trains running between Dartford and Rochester. Passengers should use Southeastern replacement bus services for connections to Rainham.
Works Between Ashford International and Headcorn
Engineering work will close all lines between Ashford International and Headcorn early on Sunday morning. So, the 6.35am service from Ashford International to London Charing Cross will now start from Headcorn at 6.48am.
There will be an accessible replacement bus leaving Ashford International at 5.51am to Headcorn via Pluckley, connecting with the train.
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