Dover to Folkestone railway expected to reopen in December

Dover District Council has welcomed today's announcement by Network Rail that it is to invest £44.5 million to rebuild the sea wall and rail line from Dover to Folkestone, which is hoped to open again to trains in December. Work to protect the existing structure and cliffs has been underway since the start of the year and preliminary construction on the 235m-long viaduct started last week.

Nadeem Aziz, Chief Executive of Dover District Council, said: "We understand the frustration of many rail travellers who have been inconvenienced by the disruption caused since the damage to the sea wall on Christmas Eve.

"Today's announcement brings an end to the uncertainty about the future of the line between Dover and Folkestone. The line is crucial for local people, strategically important to the nation for its connection to the UK's busiest passenger port, and vital for the local economy with HS1 services playing a key role in attracting new inward investment to the district.

"Whilst there are still some months of disruption ahead, we will continue to work with Network Rail to expedite the works and to keep people informed of progress, and with Southeastern Railway to get services reinstated as quickly as possible."

Charlie Elphicke, MP for Dover and Deal, said: "This is a very big project and it will cost more than £40m. The works will take a long time. I completely understand how difficult this has been for rail travellers. Yet once the works are complete, we will have a more resilient railway line. I will do all I can to see the project keeps to the timetable and we get our rail services back on track as soon as we can."

Network Rail's route managing director Alasdair Coates added: "Passengers have been incredibly patient while their railway has been closed and I want to assure them that everyone at Network Rail and Costain has been working incredibly hard on a plan to reopen the railway as quickly as possible.

"We hope to have trains running again in December. As with all projects of this scale, and this kind of exposed location, we will face challenges with the weather and the ground we are working on, but I am confident this is the right plan and one that will give us a strong railway, years into the future."