New concrete lining for Victorian tunnel

Network Rail has announced that £10m of repairs including the installation of a new concrete lining will be undertaken at Blackheath Tunnel this summer. The extensive project will last for 10 weeks from 1 June and the tunnel will be completely closed for the duration.

The tunnel, which is one-mile long and opened in 1849, is prone to leaks and damage to track and electrical equipment has caused 1000 minutes of delays in the past year. In addition to installing the concrete lining, tens of thousands of bricks will also be replaced.

Other works to take place will be to strengthen several filled-in construction shafts that were used during the tunnel’s construction, rebuild drainage systems and carry out other essential track work including removal of waterlogged sections of track. 

Network Rail’s Kent route director, David Davidson said: “This will be the largest programme of repairs to the Victorian tunnel in its lifetime, and while we recognise it’s an incredibly long closure, 10 weeks is still the least disruptive option for our passengers.

“The alternative would have been an entire year of weekend closures. Delaying the work into the future is not an option either as the track and equipment in the tunnel would only get worse and cause even more delays and disruption to journeys.

“By carrying out the repairs over 10 consecutive weeks we can work more efficiently, give passengers time to plan ahead, and deliver the reliability benefits to customers sooner. We’ve also chosen the summer because data shows the railway is typically quieter, and with less rainfall and drier conditions inside the tunnel, it’s much safer for our colleagues doing the work, allowing quicker progress."