After ten weeks of repairs, the Blackheath tunnel reopens.
After a 10-week hiatus for repairs, a south-east London rail tunnel that frequently leaks and sustains water damage has reopened. Following a diversion via Greenwich during the second such closure in a year, southeastern trains between Charlton and Blackheath have resumed using the mile-long Blackheath tunnel (about 1.5km).
According to Network Rail, the £10 million rehabilitation project included rebuilding drainage systems, adding new lining, and replacing thousands of bricks. According to Network Rail’s chief operating officer for the South Eastern Railway, David Davidson, the program is “groundbreaking” and the strengthening and waterproofing work will boost reliability.
Since May 27, the tunnel, which had opened for business in 1849, has been closed. Mr. Davidson continued, “Savings from this approach are estimated to be around £10m and this can be reinvested across the network to deliver more improvements that will keep passengers moving.”
In order to prevent water intrusion, experts carried out thorough investigations, removed soot from the tunnel lining, and replaced thousands of bricks last summer. “This year a new tunnel lining will be installed, drainage systems rebuilt, and essential track work completed – including the removal of the waterlogged sections known as wet beds.”
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