Severe damage to a sea wall supporting a mainline railway in Kent has led to suspension of train services and criticism by two MPs of Network Rail’s inspection and maintenance regime.

 

High tides damaged the sea wall between Dover and Folkestone and cracks in the structure were discovered on Christmas Eve. Since then a series of sink holes up to 3m deep have appeared along the length of the wall.

 

Folkestone and Hythe MP Damian Collins said: “There are questions that Network Rail has to answer about its maintenance to the line. High tides and rough seas are not uncommon and the sea wall and rail track that sit above it need to be able to withstand this normal kind of winter weather.”

 

Dover and Deal MP Charlie Elphicke added: “Ensuring the stability of the sea wall is essential. So it is hard to understand how this could have happened. There should be regular inspection and maintenance on an exposed section like this. Nearby residents have told me that the level of shingle has been falling all year and the footings have been exposed for some time.”

 

Network Rail says that a reopening date for the line has not been set. In a statement shortly after Christmas it said: “We know how important the railway is for people in this area and our orange army is working round the clock to establish what action needs to be taken, though we know the damage to the sea wall supporting the railway is severe. We will do everything we can to reopen this stretch of railway as quickly as possible.”

 

(Photo: Network Rail)