ALERT: Rail Engineering Works Cause Widespread Disruption 21-22 March

Planned engineering work across south-east London and Kent will force bus replacements on multiple routes this weekend.

Network Rail engineers are carrying out essential maintenance work across the region on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March, which will significantly affect train services for passengers in Kent and south-east London. No Southeastern services will operate via Lewisham on both days, with replacement bus services provided between New Cross and Dartford via Bexleyheath.

On Sunday 22 March, additional engineering work takes place between Dover Priory and Canterbury East with all lines closed during early morning hours. Accessible replacement buses will operate between Dover Priory and Canterbury East until 06:30, calling at all stations. Buses will depart Dover Priory at 04:40 and 05:40 to connect with trains at Canterbury East for onward journeys to Rainham.

Sunday 22 March sees the most extensive disruption, with buses replacing trains via Beckenham Junction and on the Paddock Wood to Ashford International line. Multiple additional routes across the network will also be affected by service changes and reductions. Passengers are strongly advised to check revised timetables before travelling and allow additional time for journeys using replacement bus services.

The weekend work is part of Network Rail’s planned investment to maintain and improve the railway infrastructure across Kent and south-east London. Journey planners have been updated with current service information, and passengers can find detailed travel advice on the Southeastern website and National Rail Enquiries.