Network Rail has announced that it will be closing the Bexleyheath line for NINE DAYS next year.

The work is set for February 15 and February 23 and will work to protect passengers from disruption caused by landslips.

This is mostly because the steep cutting in the Barnehurst area is prone to landslips during periods of wet weather.

To prevent future landslips, Network Rail will:

Remove 2,500 tonnes of mud and trees so engineers can reduce the steepness of the cutting slopes.

Bring in 8,000 tonnes of material, such as gravel and concrete, to build retaining walls along both sides of the cutting, stretching 650 metres.

The walls are made from steel beams, which are vibrated and driven into the ground six metres deep and then finished with huge concrete blocks and will stop any future landslips from reaching the tracks.

To make the most of the closure, we will also bring forward other infrastructure improvements in the area, as well as essential maintenance at the affected stations.

All of the works are not only to reduce the amount of engineering works in the future but also to give passengers the reliability benefits much sooner.

A spokesman from Network Rail said: "We know there is never a good time to close the railway, so have chosen to do the work in the February half-term when passenger demand is typically lower.

"For those passengers travelling over the 9-days we will work closely with Southeastern to keep people moving."

So where will be effected the most?

The railway will close between Kidbrooke station and Barnehurst station only, where buses will replace trains.

The Woolwich and Sidcup lines and the Charlton to Blackheath link will remain open.

Capacity on these lines will be increased by running additional or longer trains where possible.

Rail replacement bus services will run and tickets will be accepted on all other reasonable routes.

More detailed information on the exact times of alternative train and bus replacement services will be available nearer the closure.

Network Rail and Southeastern will undertake a large-scale passenger awareness campaign to ensure people are fully aware of the closures, the impact on journeys, the alternative travel options available to them and the benefits the work will bring to south east London.

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