The Bexleyheath train line will close for nine days over February half term to allow for major works to protect rail users against land slips, Network Rail announced on Tuesday (February 11).

Network Rail said that the line would be closed between Saturday 15 – Sunday 23 February for the works to take place.

A spokesperson described the planned construction and engineering works as "major" and said they would help prevent disruption caused by landslips and experienced by users of the line last year.

"We will close the Bexleyheath line during the February half term this year to carry out major work to protect passengers from disruption caused by landslips," Network Rail said.

"After four landslips in the past decade – the most recent in February last year, blocking the line for seven days – we’re investing £6.6 million to provide a safe, permanent solution," they added.

The primary area of concern on the line is a stretch of track near Barnehurst.

Precisely one year ago today (February 11, 2019) News Shopper reported how a landslip between Banehurst and Bexleyheath closed the line for a number of days and threw rail use into chaos in the area.

Network Rail directed rail users towards a number of key points of information ahead of the closure to minimize disruption:

  • "Trains will continue to run on the Woolwich and Sidcup lines and the Charlton to Blackheath link will remain open.
  • More services and longer trains will run on the lines that are open.
  • Replacement buses will be available.
  • Your rail ticket will be accepted for travel on rail replacement bus services and local TfL buses, which can be used to connect with rail services at other stations.
  • Your ticket will also be valid between North Greenwich and London Bridge on the Jubilee line."