Thursday, June 5, 2025
Network Rail has announced a nine-day closure of the Redhill to Tonbridge railway line, scheduled from Saturday, 16 August to Monday, 25 August 2025.
This closure is part of essential engineering works aimed at enhancing the safety and resilience of the railway infrastructure in the Edenbridge area. During this period, replacement bus services will operate between Redhill and Tonbridge, and passengers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly.
Scope of the Engineering Works
The primary focus of the closure is the strengthening of the railway embankment near Edenbridge, an area that has experienced significant disruption due to landslips in recent years. To address this, Network Rail will install a 360-meter-long steel wall on either side of the track, reinforced with 226 soil nails, each approximately 9 meters in length. This intervention aims to stabilize the embankment and prevent future landslip incidents.
In addition to the embankment works, the engineering program includes the renewal of 13 miles of high-voltage (12,000-volt) feeder cables between Nutfield and Leigh. This upgrade will provide a more stable power supply to the electrical systems on this section of the track. Engineers will also remove the old, decommissioned cables during this process.
Other planned works during the closure involve replacing worn-out rails near Godstone and conducting detailed structural inspections of 11 bridges along the line. These measures are part of Network Rail’s ongoing efforts to maintain and improve the resilience of railway structures and equipment.
Impact on Passengers
During the closure, there will be no train services between Redhill and Tonbridge. Replacement buses will run along the route, but passengers should anticipate longer journey times and allow extra time for travel. Mainline services from Redhill and Tonbridge will remain unaffected by the work.
Lucy McAuliffe, Sussex Route Director at Network Rail, emphasized the importance of this concentrated nine-day closure, stating, “By working over nine consecutive days in August, we can get the work done much more quickly and avoid weekend after weekend of bus replacement services, which we know is frustrating for our passengers.” She also noted that this timing minimizes disruption to school and college students, who make up a significant percentage of passengers on the route during term time.
Alternative Travel Arrangements
Passengers are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and consider alternative routes where possible. Details of the replacement bus services and any additional travel information will be provided closer to the closure date.
Other Planned Rail Closures in August 2025
In addition to the Redhill to Tonbridge closure, several other significant rail closures are scheduled across the UK in August 2025 as part of Network Rail’s ongoing maintenance and upgrade programs:
- Barnes to Feltham via Hounslow: From 23 to 31 August 2025, an 8-day closure will occur to facilitate upgrades to bridges along this route. Replacement buses will operate between Barnes and Feltham via Hounslow, with some variations in service on specific dates.
- Gloucester Area Upgrades: Scheduled for 26 July to 1 August 2025, this phase of the Severn Estuary Resilience Programme involves installing 8,000 rock anchors and slope netting to safeguard embankments, along with track and ballast replacement. Buses will replace trains between Gloucester and Chepstow or Lydney during this period.
- South of Bedford Upgrade: Between 22 February and early June 2025, engineers will carry out essential infrastructure work to upgrade the overhead lines that power trains between Bedford and London. Thameslink and East Midlands Railway services will be significantly altered, likely involving bus replacements.
- Greek Street Bridge Replacement: From 2 to 23 August 2025, the railway will close for 21 days to demolish and replace the Greek Street bridge in Stockport. This project aims to ensure safer and more reliable train services along the West Coast Main Line.
Advice for Passengers
Passengers planning to travel during these periods are strongly advised to check for the latest updates and plan their journeys accordingly. Alternative travel arrangements, such as replacement bus services, will be in place, but extended journey times should be expected. For comprehensive information on planned works and service disruptions, visit the official Network Rail website or the respective train operating companies’ websites.
Conclusion
While these engineering works may cause temporary disruptions, they are essential for maintaining and improving the safety and reliability of the UK’s railway network. Passengers are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journeys, and stay informed about any changes to services. Network Rail appreciates the cooperation and understanding of passengers during these necessary upgrades.
