Disruption between Swanley and Rochester expected until the end of the day 

Route(s) affected

Between London Victoria and Gillingham (Kent) / Ramsgate / Dover Priory

Description

A broken rail at Longfield means that the line running towards Rochester is blocked.

Trains running between Swanley and Rochester, in this direction only, are unable to operate and will be cancelled or diverted.

Disruption is expected until the end of the day.

What's happened?

We've received a report of a broken rail in the Longfield area. While response staff investigate, the line from Swanley towards Rochester is blocked.

The rail requires repairs to allow trains to run over the affected area; infrastructure staff are en route to Longfield. At this time we do not anticipate the line reopening before 22:00.

The London-bound line is currently unaffected, although will need to be blocked for a short time once infrastructure staff are in a position to make their way to the broken rail.

How does this affect my journey?

No trains can run from Swanley towards Rochester. Services will be diverted via Dartford, or cancelled.

The following stations will not be served in the Medway-bound direction:

• Farningham Road

• Longfield

• Meopham

• Sole Street

London-bound services are currently unaffected, and can run as scheduled.

What should I do?

We are working to source replacement transport.

You can use your ticket at no extra cost on:

• Arriva Bus route 101 between Maidstone and Medway

• Stagecoach Bus routes:

  • 15 between Canterbury and Dover

  • 12 between Canterbury and Deal

  • 600/601/602 between Canterbury and Herne Bay

  • X3 between Canterbury and Faversham

Alternative routes:

For details of alternative routes that may be available to complete your journey, please refer to our Alternative routes during disruption maps.

How can I stay up to date?

You can follow Southeastern on Twitter (X) @SE_Railway or follow the Southeastern WhatsApp channel.

Check before you travel:

You can check your journey using the National Rail Enquiries real-time Journey Planner

For helpful advice if you need to travel on a rail replacement service, including accessibility and bicycle information, please use our Rail Replacement Services page.

You can find the pick-up and set-down location of rail replacement services by checking station signage or by searching for your station on our Find a Station page.

Please be advised that replacement vehicles may be busier than usual, and you should allow extra time for your journey.

Compensation:

You may be entitled to compensation if you experience a delay in completing your journey today. Please keep your train ticket and make a note of your journey, as both will be required to support any claim.