Network Rail has delivered a wide-ranging programme of engineering works across south London, Kent and Sussex over the Easter weekend, completing critical upgrades aimed at improving safety, reliability and long-term performance of the railway network.

Despite the scale of the operation, more than 90% of the railway remained open, allowing passengers to continue their journeys while essential works took place at key locations including Battersea, Lewisham, Eastbourne, and Chislet.

Key upgrades included:

• Rebuilding of a busy junction at Battersea, where engineers installed 600 metres of new track, 1,200 metres of new conductor rail, and around 6,000 metres of signalling and telecommunications cable.

• New signalling systems installed in the Lewisham area, with further signalling upgrades between New Cross, Blackheath and Hither Green.

• Laying of over 5km of new track between Eastbourne and Hastings, including the installation of a new level crossing at Pevensey.

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• Track refurbishment on the Bromley North branch line, with 1,728 metres of new rail and over 2,000 tonnes of ballast installed.

• Landslip prevention work at Chislet, between Canterbury West and Minster, addressing climate-related risks to the railway’s structural integrity.

These improvements are expected to increase train speeds, allow more services to run, and reduce delays for passengers.

David Davidson, Kent Route Director for Network Rail, speaking on behalf of the Southeastern-Network Rail Alliance, said: "I want to thank our customers for their patience while we've worked to modernise track, signalling, stations, structures and earthworks, helping to keep people moving for decades to come. This was the least-worst time to complete these works and continue to invest in our growing railway as part of our continued drive to improve performance.

"This Easter we've continued to upgrade the railway for passengers with major projects in the Battersea and Lewisham areas, and between Eastbourne and Hastings.

"We also took the opportunity to do some landslip prevention works at Chislet, on the line between Canterbury West and Minster, where because of increased rainfall as a result of climate change, the railway cutting is unlikely to withstand another winter. By doing this work over Easter we’ve been able to keep the railway open for longer, with fewer weekend closures being needed in the near future."

Further engineering work is scheduled to continue at Battersea Pier during the early May bank holiday, on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May, as Network Rail presses ahead with its long-term commitment to modernising the region’s railway infrastructure.