Hastings to Tunbridge Wells, and Hastings to Bexhill line closure

We’re carrying out a major programme of improvement work between Tunbridge Wells, Hastings, and Bexhill from Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November 2025.

This nine-day closure will allow engineers to deliver vital upgrades to improve safety, reliability and resilience across the route.

What work are we doing?

Our engineers will be working across multiple locations to deliver a wide range of improvements:

• Tunnel repairs: Brickwork and drainage upgrades in the Bo Peep and Hastings tunnels to prevent leaks and protect railway equipment.
• Track renewal: Replacement of old rails, sleepers and ballast between Etchingham and Mountfield, and between Castle Bridge and Riverhall to reduce faults and delays.
• Signalling upgrades: Replacement of moveable rails and track circuits at Frant and Wadhurst to improve train detection and reliability.
• Earthworks: Stabilisation of embankments and cuttings at Frant and near Wadhurst to reduce the risk of landslips.
• Vegetation clearance: Removal of overgrown vegetation and installation of rock anchors near Mountfield tunnel and other key locations.
• Station improvements: Refurbishment of the footbridge at West St Leonards station to ensure continued safe access.
• Lineside clearance: Vegetation management between Strawberry Hill and Frant, and from Crowhurst to Mountfield to prevent debris and tree-related disruptions.

What are the benefits?

This work is part of our continued investment in the Hastings line, addressing long-standing challenges and delivering:

• Improved safety and reliability
• Reduced risk of delays and faults
• Enhanced resilience against weather and environmental impacts
• Better passenger experience through infrastructure upgrades.

Passenger impact

There will be no train services between:

• Tunbridge Wells and Hastings
• Bexhill and Hastings

Replacement bus services will operate along both routes. A Southern shuttle train service will run between Ashford and Hastings. Full travel advice will be published shortly.

Passengers are advised to check before travelling and allow extra time for their journeys. Visit National Rail Enquiries or your train operator’s website for the latest updates.

How will this work affect me?

St Leonards Warrior Square station car park on St Johns Road will be closed to the public from Saturday 27 September until Friday 14 November 2025 to facilitate site welfare facilities. 

Station Approach Road, adjacent to St Leonards Warrior Square station, will close to the public from 27 September 2025. During this period, the road will be used exclusively as an access route for on-site deliveries. Access to station ticket machines will always remain available to the public throughout the works. 

Car park A at St Leonards Warrior Square (as shown in the photo below) will be closed to the public from 24 October to 03 November 2025. During this period, the road will be used exclusively as a laydown area for material deliveries.

Additionally, Etchingham level crossing will close from 2200, Friday 31 October to 0400, Monday 3 November, which will mean an extensive diversion for large vehicles. There are C roads/cut-throughs available for smaller vehicles. Motorists are advised to use the signposted diversion routes.

Contact us

For more information or to get in touch with us, please contact us by visiting our contact us page or by calling our 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41.