Landslip between Maidstone East and Bearsted

[Antman]

377518 hit a landslip earlier today, not seriously damaged, but the down line remains blocked with Ashford bound trains diverted via Tonbridge, London bound trains operating normally.

 

[brad465]

I haven't needed to travel on that line today but it seems the down trains are being diverted by the SEML as you say, with a call at Paddock Wood (for Maidstone). It does mean though passengers between Otford and Maidstone are being affected even though it is possible to run along there, so the 3 MDE terminators (which are all either 4 or 6 car Networkers these days) must have been rammed this evening.

 

[KingJ]

Network Rail have tweeted a photo here, showing part of the landslip. There's a number of large boulders involved too.

The line between Maidstone East and Ashford will be shut all weekend for repairs. An hourly shuttle will run between Victoria and Maidstone East with onward bus replacement to Ashford.