South Eastern Railway has launched a major coastal protection scheme to secure the iconic railway through Folkestone Warren, with trains set to keep running while the works take place.

For safety, the Western beach and the adjacent walkway are closed while repairs are carried out. Both are expected to reopen in April 2026, although activity may pause during periods of severe weather over the winter.

The project includes placing Boulogne Limestone—a durable, crystalline rock suited to coastal defence—along roughly 300 metres of shoreline. In total, 18,000 tonnes will be installed across three consignments, subject to weather conditions, to counter erosion and help stabilise the cliffs and track bed for the next three decades.

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All construction activity is being undertaken away from the railway to avoid passenger disruption, and the scheme has been planned to minimise impacts on the local community.

Further measures include installing around fifty sheet piles behind the sea wall to prevent seawater from undermining the abutments that support the railway. Drainage infrastructure will also be repaired after subsidence of about a metre caused by cliff movement.

David Davidson, chief operating officer at the South Eastern Railway, said: "Folkestone Warren has experienced ongoing landslip movement for many years. To keep passengers, the public and our colleagues safe, we monitor the area with hundreds of ground sensors that provide real-time data and alerts, allowing us to slow or stop trains if needed.

"This major intervention is a proactive step to protect both the railway and the Warren. Trains will continue to run throughout the works, although the beach will remain closed while repairs are underway.

"We're grateful to the local community for their patience and support as we carry out this vital work."