Rail disruptions in Kent ahead of £10m Dartford Junction upgrade
South Eastern and Thameslink services replaced by buses this weekend and during half-term
Rail passengers in Kent are set to experience travel disruptions as preparation work starts for a £10 million track upgrade at Dartford Junction, impacting South Eastern and Thameslink services over the February half-term.
From 14th to 22nd February, trains will be out of service between Gravesend and Dartford towards Crayford, Barnehurst, and Slade Green, with replacement buses operating across all routes.
Services into London along the Sidcup, Bexleyheath, and Woolwich lines will run normally, with time changes and extra services scheduled on the Bexleyheath line.
This upgrade is aimed at improving reliability and performance at Kent's busiest railway junction.
It involves laying approximately 400 yards of new track between Slade Green and Dartford, and narrowing the gap between the train and the platform at Dartford Junction.
David Davidson, Chief Operating Officer for the South Eastern Railway, emphasised the importance of this investment:
"The work at Dartford Junction is a vital investment in the resilience and efficiency of one of our network’s busiest junctions," Mr Davidson said.
"We’re grateful for customer patience while we carry out this essential upgrade."
In addition to the track improvements, station refurbishments will occur concurrently, including maintenance to Dartford’s lifts and repainting its platforms.
Other stations like Stone Crossing and Greenhithe will see safety and accessibility enhancements.
With anticipated busier peak times, passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time for travel, particularly during replacement bus service days.
Further closures on 7th and 8th February for preparatory work, followed by additional closures on 1st March and 5th April, will also feature replacement bus services.
The works are part of South Eastern Railway's broader £300 million network improvement plan.