Landslip prevention works at Chislet

Between Friday 18 and Monday 21 April 2025, engineers will be undertaking landslip prevention works at Chislet between Canterbury West and Minster.

We will be undertaking earthworks repairs on the slope that forms the cutting for the railway.

What work is taking place?

Increased rainfall means we have to undertake landslip prevention works at Chislet, on the line between Canterbury West and Minster as the railway cutting is unlikely to withstand another wet winter.

Over Easter we will install 160 metres of sheet pile wall to the slope of the cutting and backfill to prevent the risk of any slope movement. We will also stabilise the embankment on the other side of the track.

Doing this work over the Easter, means we can keep the railway open for longer, and fewer weekend closures would be needed in the near future.

When is the work taking place?

The work will take place over Easter weekend 18 to 21 April 2025.

How will this work affect me?

Buses will replace trains between Canterbury West and Ramsgate calling at Sturry and Minster between Friday 18 and Monday 21 April, so that landslip prevention works can take place. The High-Speed service via Dover, will call additionally at Thanet Parkway. Please plan ahead.

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Why is the work needed?

The railway cutting is unlikely to withstand another wet winter. Our engineers will be undertaking repairs on the slope that forms the cutting, to improve reliability to reduce future delays for passengers. 

Get in touch

If you have any questions, please call our dedicated 24-hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or visit our contact us page.