Long-planned disruption to rail services from Rye because of work on Ore tunnel are only two weeks away. There will be no trains to Hastings starting Saturday October 19, and a shuttle service to Ashford for much of the two-week closure until Sunday November 3.
A spokesman for Network Rail explained why the line closure was necessary. “The essential maintenance work in Ore tunnel will improve the drainage and repair lining to the inside of the structure to prevent water seeping through. This will include concrete spraying of the lining of the tunnel, soil and rock nailing, repair of the brickwork and replacement of some of the track through the tunnel.”
Work will also include: renewing 700 yards of track through the tunnel; refurbishment of four sets of crossings; repairing the footbridge at Ore station and the maintenance of the Briscoe Road bridge in Guestling; and maintenance of drainage culverts between Winchelsea and Hastings.
Weekend closures between Hastings and Ashford
• On the weekend of Saturday 19 / Sunday 20 October and Sunday 3 November there will be no trains between Hastings and Ashford International. Buses will replace trains.
• On the weekend of Saturday 26 / Sunday 27 October and Saturday 2 November a shuttle service will run between Rye and Ashford between 7:30am and 6:30pm each day. Outside of these core times, rail replacement buses will operate on this section of the network.
• On the weekend of Saturday 26 / Sunday 27 October and Saturday 2 / 3 November, buses will be in operation to serve the section of line between Rye and Hastings.
Weekday service changes
• From Monday 21 October to Friday 1 November a shuttle service will run between Rye and Ashford between 7:30am and 6:30pm each day. The disruption will also see platform changes at Rye. Outside of these core times, rail replacement buses will also operate on this section of the network.
• Buses will be in operation to serve the section of line between Rye and Hastings.
Details of the bus replacement service for Winchelsea, Doleham and Three Oaks are still unclear with no information on the National Rail Journey Planner website. Southern Railway says it is trying to rectify the problem.
Network Rail acknowledges there’s no good time to close a rail line. “We are sorry for the disruption to people’s journeys. Working in cramped tunnels is challenging and unfortunately due to the nature of the conditions work takes longer. We have planned the work to take place, in part, over the October half-term holidays to reduce disruption to school travel and because trains are typically quieter during school holidays. That means fewer people are likely to be impacted overall. Staff working on site are fully briefed on working responsibly in the local community and keeping noise levels to an absolute minimum level. All staff will be inducted and briefed about being a considerate neighbour.”
