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?

The work took place over Easter, 18 to 21 April 2025.

We will undertake the next round of works over autumn 2025 and will complete by spring 2026.

How will this work affect me?

We will update passengers with details on rail replacement services for the next round of works in autumn 2025.

Over Easter 2025, buses replaced trains between Canterbury West and Ramsgate calling at Sturry and Minster.

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.