Sevenoaks Tunnel

[William Dargan]

I've been told that the 70/50mph speed restrictions currently in place throughout Sevenoaks Tunnel are due to be further restricted in the next few weeks.

Essentially the current speed restictions are in place due to the condition of the trackbed due to water ingress - Network Rail Engineers believe that in order to fix the problem, they'd have to dig out the entire trackbed within the tunnel, reline the tunnel walls and relay everything - the problem has now gone beyond a 'quick fix'. Figures of between 6 and 12 WEEKS have been mentioned for the length of closure, but Network Rail cannot agree with the TOC and FOCs on dates/times/compensation.

Looks like everyones journeys are going to get longer...

[trainplanner]

William, Thanks for this bit of detailed information, seems like strood tunnel all over again.
We can only hope that they use innovative materials, high output equipment and 24 hour working to get the work done quickly...

Regards TP

[chapelwood]

If the work necessary in Sevenoaks Tunnel is as urgent and extensive as suggested my guess is that it will take place in August 2010. The line between Folkestone and Dover will be blockaded for 5 weeks this July and August, mainly for the work in the tunnels that is needed to allow 395s to run to Dover, and I can't think that either Southeastern or Network Rail will be keen on two major blockades in Kent at the same time. Traffic is noticeably lighter in the school holidays, and by 2010 HS1 will be available (at a cost) for passengers between London and East Kent I don't know how many paths Southeastern would be able to get to divert trains between London and Tonbridge via Redhill.
Chapelwood