Two landslips have thrown rail commuters into chaos, affecting train services to Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone, and Ashford. Southeastern has confirmed that these incidents are expected to disrupt train schedules throughout the day.
One of the landslides has blocked several rail lines near Maidstone East station, while the second occurred in Robertsbridge, an East Sussex village along the A21, leading to the cancellation of all trains running through that station.
A Southeastern spokesman stated, “Network Rail staff discovered a landslip near Maidstone East whilst working overnight. Network Rail safety systems triggered an alarm overnight alerting staff to the landslip at Robertsbridge. Teams of engineers are on both sites, working to make the railway safe.”
As a result of these landslips, the Maidstone East line toward Ashford is currently closed, and a further assessment of the site will be conducted at 10 am. Disruption is anticipated until at least midday.
Here are some of the key service disruptions and alternative arrangements for commuters:
- Services will not run between Maidstone East and Otford.
- Commuters must change at Otford for services to London Bridge, Waterloo East, and London Charing Cross.
- For those travelling between London Victoria to Ashford via Maidstone East, services will divert via Paddock Wood between Otford and Ashford and will not call at any Maidstone East Line stations.
- Passengers can use their tickets on replacement buses running from Otford to Ashford via Maidstone East.
- Due to the Robertsbridge landslip, disruption is expected to continue until at least 6 pm for services in that area.
- No trains are running between Battle and Tunbridge Wells.
- A limited service will operate between Hastings and Battle
Commuters affected by these disruptions can use their tickets to complete journeys at no extra cost on alternative routes and modes of transport, including buses and replacement services.
Southeastern has advised passengers to check the Southeastern website for more information and updates on the situation. The rail company is working diligently to restore normal services and minimize the inconvenience caused by these landslip
