Disruption between Strood and Paddock Wood expected until 13:30 

Route(s) affected

Between Strood and Paddock Wood / Tonbridge

Description

A tree blocking the railway at Maidstone Barracks means all lines are blocked.

As a result, trains running between Strood and Paddock Wood may be delayed, cancelled or revised.

Disruption is expected to continue until 13:30.

Customer advice:

What's happened?

A tree had fallen onto the tracks at Maidstone Barracks and blocked the line in both directions, this has now been cleared.

It was not apparent at the time, but the tree fell on top of a lamp post and has caused this to also fall on the line, along with other debris and damage to the station. This means trains still cannot run, as it is unsafe for trains to pass through the area.

How does this affect my journey?

The Medway Valley line is currently blocked with no service.

Replacement buses are running at a reduced service and not running to the usual timetable.

You can also use your ticket at no extra cost on Arriva Buses on numbers 71 and 101.

What should I do?

Check before you travel and allow extra time to complete your journey.

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 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 drop-off 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.