Tonbridge to Wadhurst Improvements

Southeastern customers are advised to plan ahead over the autumn half-term as Network Rail carries out a major programme of railway improvements between Tonbridge and Wadhurst.

Project timeline

The main closure will take place from Saturday 24 October until Sunday 1 November 2026.

What work is taking place?

Grove Hill tunnel slab track renewal

At the heart of the programme is the renewal of specialist slab track through Grove Hill Tunnel, just south of Tunbridge Wells.

Unlike conventional railway track, which sits on sleepers supported by ballast, slab track uses rails fixed directly to a reinforced concrete track base. It used in some tunnels to strengthen and give stability to the structure.

During the closure, engineers will remove and replace the life-expired track slab, carry out associated track renewals and reinstate railway systems within the tunnel.

Wadhurst tunnel

At Wadhurst tunnel, teams will carry out tunnel maintenance along with detailed examinations of the tunnel bore, portals and shafts. These inspections are an important part of keeping the railway safe and reliable and help identify repairs that may be required in future.

Earthworks

Near Stonegate, engineers will undertake earthworks investigations, including drainage surveys, track monitoring and condition assessments. The work will help improve understanding of the cutting and drainage systems, supporting the long-term resilience of the railway.

Etchingham station and power supply upgrades

At Etchingham, a new uninterruptible power supply will be installed to improve the resilience of railway systems serving the route. Engineers will also repair the station canopy, improving the station environment for customers. While the line is closed, bridge and drainage inspections in the surrounding area will also be completed.

Maintenance

Around Robertsbridge and Mountfield, maintenance teams will replace life-expired track components, examine Mountfield Tunnel and carry out surveys to support future railway upgrades.

Further work across the route includes vegetation management, drainage inspections, routine track maintenance and structural examinations, helping to make the most of the closure and reduce the need for future disruption.

Removing speed restrictions caused by dry soil conditions

Our engineering teams have also widened the scope of the work they are doing beyond the original plan and are taking advantage of the closure to repair damaged track on the Hastings line caused by dry soil conditions. In turn, this will lead to some temporary speed restrictions being removed.

The hottest and driest summer on record caused some sections of soil underneath railway tracks to dry out and shrink. As a precaution, temporary speed restrictions were put in place to keep passengers travelling safely.

Recent rainfall has helped restore moisture to embankments, allowing specialist engineering work to take place so the track can be realigned and the speed restrictions removed.

This work will be carried out within the scheduled 9-day closure, however, customers are advised that from 10.30pm on Saturday 31 October until 7am on Sunday 1 November the closure will extend, and buses will replace trains between Tonbridge and Hastings.

We’d like to thank customers for managing these additional changes. By taking this opportunity to complete this essential work now, we can help reduce delays and improve reliability on the Hastings line.

Impact on train services

No trains will run between Tonbridge and Wadhurst between Saturday 24 October and Sunday 1 November. Rail replacement buses will operate between Tonbridge and Wadhurst throughout the closure.

Additionally, buses will replace trains between Wadhurst and Hastings from 10.30pm on Saturday 31 October until 7am on Sunday 1 November.

On Sunday 1 November only, when the engineering work extends further south, replacement buses will operate between Tonbridge and Battle (note changes to early morning services above).

Journey times will be longer than usual and passengers are advised to check before they travel and allow extra time for their journeys.

Customers requiring assisted travel should continue to book assistance in the usual way.

Train services from Tonbridge to Charing Cross, Redhill, Ramsgate and Dover Priory will continue as normal over the period.

Ticket acceptance on other routes

• Tickets will be accepted from Hastings/Ore to Ashford International.
• Tickets will be accepted on our highspeed services between Ashford International and London St Pancras.
• Customers from Stonegate, Wadhurst and Frant can also use the Southern route from Uckfield.
• Please note that it is a low frequency service throughout the day during the half term and you should check journey planners before you travel.

Accessibility at Wadhurst

During the closure, all trains at Wadhurst will use Platform 1. Access to and from this platform is via stairs only (around 40 steps in total), so step-free access will not be available.

If you cannot use stairs:

• Travelling from Hastings towards Tonbridge? Please stay on the train to Etchingham, where step-free access, accessible transport and onward travel assistance will be available.
• Travelling from Tonbridge towards Hastings? Please speak to station staff before you travel. Accessible transport will be provided to help you continue your journey.

Staff will be available to assist customers with luggage and on the stairs where needed. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

Parking and station access during the Tonbridge to Wadhurst closure

To support major engineering work between Tonbridge and Wadhurst, parts of station car parks will be used to support engineering work and replacement bus services.

Parking capacity will be reduced at some stations throughout the closure. Additionally, the car parks at Tonbridge, Paddock Wood and Sevenoaks stations are expected to be very busy as people drive to the stations to connect with rail services.

Details of changes at each impacted car park are available below.

Tunbridge Wells

Sections of both car parks A and B will be used for storing construction equipment and materials, staff welfare facilities and as a drop off and pickup point.

Permit holders for car parks A and B will be accommodated in the Crescent Road car park, TN1 2LU, at no extra cost.

All other day ticket parking will need to make use of Headcorn and Staplehurst station car parks, or other local car parks.

Car park A will be available as a drop off and pick up point only.

High Brooms

Parts of the station car park will be temporarily unavailable while engineering works take place.

If driving to the station to connect with rail replacement buses, please arrive early to secure a space.

Frant

Parking availability will be reduced by approximately 30 spaces during the closure to support engineering works. 79 spaces will remain available.

Wadhurst

More than half of the station car park’s 287 spaces will be will be unavailable to support engineering works and rail replacement bus operations.

Tonbridge, Paddock Wood and Sevenoaks car parks

Tonbridge car park as it is expected to very busy during the closure. If planning to drive to Tonbridge please arrive early. If the car park is full, staff will direct you to alternative parking in the area.

Customers planning to use Paddock Wood and Sevenoaks station car parks, should note that these will also be busy as people drive to the stations to connect with rail services.

Sunday 1 November

On Sunday 1 November, when engineering work extends, customers should be aware that Etchingham, Robertsbridge and Stonegate station car parks will be required for rail replacement bus operations, including bus turning and layover facilities. Parking capacity may therefore be reduced and some areas will need to be kept clear throughout the closure. While there are some changes, there will be enough space to accommodate customers.

Check before you travel

Passengers are advised to check before they travel and allow extra time for their journeys. 

Get in touch

If you have any questions, please visit our contact us page or telephone our 24-Hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41.