Passengers who regularly use Ashford and Kent stations are advised to plan ahead over the Christmas period, as major upgrades by Network Rail as part of investment plans of the Kent network will disrupt services, especially on the 27th of December.
Network Rail plan to replace track and three sets of old switches and crossings, and the moveable rails which allow trains to switch tracks at Ashford International Station.
The work will commence from Thursday 26th of December 2019 and is ongoing until Sunday 29th of December 2019, as well as a number of weekends before and after.
Other improvements include track drainage, upgrades to the third rail system, and points, helping to improve reliability.
On the following dates, Southeastern Highspeed and Eurostar services will not stop at Ashford International, whereas mainline services will run but are subject to change.
The dates are:
- Saturday 23 – Sunday 24 November 2019
- Thursday 26 – Sunday 29 December 2019
- Saturday 4 – Sunday 5 January 2020
- Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 January 2020
- Sunday 19 January 2020
During this work, there will be no Southeastern Highspeed services between Canterbury West, Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International, and a rail replacement bus will be in operation instead.
Highspeed season ticket holders travelling via Ashford International on Friday 27 December can claim for a refund of the Highspeed premium portion of their ticket on Southeastern’s website from that date.
What did the officials say?
Shaun King, Interim Kent Route Director at Network Rail, said:
“We know that the most important thing for passengers is for them to get to where they need to be ontime. Over the next five years we’re doing more work to improve reliability on the Kent network than ever before, addressing decades of underinvestment in the region’s railway.
“This work to install new track, drainage and switches and crossings at Ashford will give passengers using this section of railway smoother, more reliable journeys with fewer delays for decades to come.
“I’d to thank passengers for their patience while we work and remind them to check with their journeys before travelling. The railway remains open but there will be changes so don’t get caught”.
Ellie Burrows, Train Services Director at Southeastern, said:
“This is a major investment and once complete this work will improve reliability of services for our passengers who use this busy route.
“We recognise that it will have an impact on train services at Ashford International. We will ensure passengers are aware of the changes and the alternative transport arrangements which will be put in place.
“If you are a Highspeed season ticket holder and you travel via Ashford International on Friday 27 December, you can claim for a refund of the Highspeed premium portion of your ticket.”
Where Next?
News Homepage
For the Latest Railway News
RailAdvent Online Shop
Framed Prints, DVD’s / Blu-Ray’s and more
LocoStop Community
Come and share your railway pictures
Network Rail
Visit their website
Mainline Steam Info
Upcoming mainline steam tours/loco movements
Responses