A string of railway improvements are expected to cause upheaval for those travelling between Kent and London over the upcoming bank holiday.

Those planning to travel by rail between May 31 and June 1 are advised by Network Rail to check train timetables before doing so.

Engineers will be carrying out a number of projects over the holiday, including the installation of a replacement deck for the River Stour bridge. This work will continue through to the end of Tuesday, June 1, and will see a replacement bus service running between Ashford International and Canterbury West from the Saturday to the Tuesday.

Preparations for the construction of the new Thanet Parkway station are also getting underway, along with track work at Charlton Junction in south east London, and between Strood and Paddock Wood.

A replacement bus service will be running between Canterbury West and Margate on the Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.

Replacement buses will also run on the Woolwich line from Lewisham to Plumstead on the Sunday, and between Strood and Maidstone West the same weekend.

Network Rail Kent route director Fiona Taylor said: “We’re pleased to see passengers gradually returning to our railway and our work to maintain and improve it for them continues non-stop.

“We know that people will be wanting to travel around Kent this bank holiday now the country is slowly unlocking and that’s why we’re advertising these works as much as we can, so people can plan ahead. Please do check before you travel and remember hands, face and space.”

Scott Brightwell, train services director at Southeastern, added: “We are looking forward to welcoming more people back on to our trains now that lockdown restrictions have eased further and we are doing all we can to make sure they travel with confidence.

“I want to highlight that some of the work taking place over the bank holiday between Ashford and Canterbury West continues through to the weekday of Tuesday, June 1. There will be replacement buses where we can’t run trains, which shouldn’t add too much time to your journey. As always please check journey planners for the latest information.”

Jenny Saunders, customer services director for Thameslink, added: “On Sunday 30 and Monday 31, Thameslink services to and from Rainham will be diverted via Bexleyheath, with replacement buses serving stations on the Woolwich line, so please check before you travel and allow extra time. You can rest assured we’re working round the clock to keep trains and stations clean and safe.”

Passengers should also follow the latest coronavirus guidance and make space, wash hands and wear a mask.

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