Changes to Kent train services after ground movement detected between Dover and Folkestone

Southeastern has announced a number of planned changes that will come into effect on a key Kent train line later this month amid concerns of another ground slip. Services between Ramsgate and Dover, and Folkestone West will see alterations from Monday, April 22.

Ground movement has been detected along the line between Dover and Folkestone. This follows the wettest recorded February in 200 years, with Kent having endured prolonged heavy showers and multiple weather warnings in recent months.

So far this year, commuters have already contended with prolonged disruption between Medway and Sittingbourne due to a slip at Newington. This impacted journeys for a total of 10 days before the necessary repairs were completed to stabilise the line.

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Then, just this month, another key route also saw service disruption following a separate landslip. The slip took place at Bough Beech, between Edenbridge and Penshurst on Friday, March 29 and caused extensive damage to the embankment on which the railway runs.

Works to repair and strengthen the embankment were carried out, with the line finally reopening on Monday, April 15. Now, regular checks are being carried out on the line between Dover and Folkestone after Network Rail monitoring detected the ground movement.

While these checks are being carried out, a temporary speed restriction is in place. A spokesperson for Southeastern said: “We’ve made some limited service changes to allow us to provide you with a reliable and robust train service while Network Rail assess the work needed.”

As of Monday April 22, Folkestone West services towards Dover will be reduced during off-peak hours. Meanwhile, most trains from Ramsgate from Charing Cross will leave stations between Sandwich and Dover two minutes earlier.

Services will run as planned from Folkestone Central. It is not yet known how long these alterations will be in place and full details on the timetable changes can be found here.

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