政治 7 4月 2026

May 23, 2026, 5:20 AM EDT. The rail line between Borough Green & Wrotham and Ashford International via Maidstone East in Kent closes for nine days to allow Network Rail to complete upgrades for long-term reliability. Work includes drainage improvements, track replacement, and level crossing updates. During the closure, replacement bus services operate, with altered routes to minimize disruption. Southeastern Railway highlighted the line's vulnerability due to 150-year-old rock cuttings causing weather-related delays. The closure takes place over the May school holidays to reduce passenger impact and aims to decrease future weekend closures. Additional services between London and Maidstone East are planned from the December timetable change, improving connectivity for commuters.