Essential upgrades across Kent will require bus replacements on several routes over the Easter bank holiday weekend from 3–6 April.
Network Rail engineers will undertake major improvements across Kent during the Easter weekend, including the installation of over 820 yards of new track at Margate station, bridge repairs in Broadstairs, and critical maintenance work between Ashford and Dover. These essential works are part of a wider investment programme to renew outdated infrastructure, improve track quality and strengthen the reliability of the network for passengers travelling through the region.
In the Thanet area, engineers will replace timbers and ballast at the St Peter’s Road railway bridge in Broadstairs, whilst further south, between Ashford International and Dover Priory, teams will undertake track maintenance, repair points at Saltwood Junction, work on the electric third rail and install new rails through the Shakespeare Tunnel. Additional signalling upgrades will take place in south-east London, supporting long-term reliability across the wider network.
Whilst over 90 per cent of the railway will remain open, passengers should expect disruptions on key routes. Bus replacements will operate between Herne Bay and Ramsgate throughout all four days of the bank holiday weekend. On Easter Sunday, additional bus services will replace trains between Orpington and Tonbridge, and between Ashford International and Dover Priory. Some off-peak services between Faversham and St Pancras will not run on Good Friday and Easter Monday, with off-peak fares applying all day on these dates.
Passengers are strongly advised to check their specific journey before travelling and to allow extra time for their Easter trips. Replacement bus services will be accessible, and ticket acceptance arrangements are in place to keep customers moving throughout the engineering works period.
Key Information
- Bus replacements between Herne Bay and Ramsgate on 3, 4, 5 and 6 April
- Bus replacements between Orpington and Tonbridge on 4, 5 and 6 April
- Bus replacements between Ashford International and Dover Priory on 5 April
- Engineering works include new track installation at Margate, bridge repairs in Broadstairs and maintenance on the Ashford to Dover line
- Over 90 per cent of the Kent and south-east network will remain open
