Landslip prevention works at Chislet
Between Friday 18 and Monday 21 April 2025, engineers began landslip prevention works at Chislet between Canterbury West and Minster.
We undertook earthwork repairs on the slope that forms the cutting for the railway.
We will undertake the next round of works over autumn 2025 and will complete by spring 2026.
What work is taking place?
Increased rainfall means we have to undertake landslip prevention works at Chislet, on the line between Canterbury West and Minster as the railway cutting is unlikely to withstand another wet winter.
Over Easter we installed 160 metres of sheet pile wall to the slope of the cutting and backfilled to prevent the risk of any slope movement. We also stabilised the embankment on the other side of the track.
Doing this work over Easter means we can keep the railway open for longer, and fewer weekend closures would be needed in the near future.
When is the work taking place?
Work took place over Easter, 18 to 21 April 2025.
We will undertake the next round of works from 1 to 5 September, on Sunday 7 September and over autumn 2025. All works will be completed by spring 2026.
How will this work affect me?
On Sunday 7 November accessible replacement buses will run between:
- Canterbury West and Margate calling at Ramsgate and Broadstairs
- Canterbury West and Ramsgate calling at all stations
- Deal and Ramsgate calling at Sandwich
The following stations will be closed and will only be served by replacement buses:
- Sturry
- Minster
- Sandwich
- Thanet Parkway
Journeys may take longer than usual, so please plan ahead and allow extra time.
Check before you travel
Why is the work needed?
The railway cutting is unlikely to withstand another wet winter. Our engineers will be undertaking repairs on the slope that forms the cutting, to improve reliability to reduce future delays for passengers.
Get in touch
If you have any questions, please call our dedicated 24-hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or visit our contact us page.