Network Rail engineers are set to construct a 200-metre sheet pile wall along the railway near Teston, about 1km from East Farleigh station on the Medway Valley line.

This work, scheduled from Thursday, 31 October to Sunday, 3 November, aims to prevent landslips.

The barrier is designed to prevent soil and debris from encroaching on the tracks in case of a landslide triggered by floods or torrential rainfall. 

During the closure period, East Farleigh station and its signal box, both established in 1844, will undergo repainting and refurbishment.

Additionally, the worn-out rails at Maidstone West will be replaced.

From Thursday, 31 October to Sunday, 3 November, buses will be in service instead of trains on the route between Paddock Wood and Maidstone West.

Landslides can lead to significant disruptions and delays, since trains cannot deviate to avoid debris on the tracks, or travel on rails not supported by a stable track bed, both such incidences’ have been seen on the rail network earlier this year.

Consequently, debris from landslides often necessitates the rerouting of services. This is why the preventative measures to be undertaken at Teston are vital to avoiding future delays.

During the works, trains running between Paddock Wood and Strood will commence and conclude their journeys at Maidstone West.

Accessible replacement bus services will replace trains between Paddock Wood and Maidstone West, calling at all stations from Thursday 31 October to Saturday 2 November.

The bus service will be extended to run between Tonbridge and Maidstone West on Sunday 3 November. 

“It’s important that we identify the sites prone to landslips to ensure that we keep passengers safe.  

Some of the slopes, or cuttings, on either side of our tracks, need to be strengthened by improving drainage or adding stronger materials to the slope itself, such as the sheet pile wall at Teston.  

We know there’s never a good time to close the railway, but with the work, we expect to improve resilience of the line as we come into the autumn. Please plan ahead and check your journey with nationalrail.co.uk.” 

David Davidson, Network Rail Kent Route Director