A major railway line that has been shut since December is due to reopen this autumn - months ahead of schedule.

The Dover to Folkestone line, which was closed due to storm damage on Christmas Eve, was initially not expected to reopen until this December.

But now Network Rail says the £39.8 million rebuilding project is ahead of schedule and it is working towards completing the project this autumn. The exact month has not yet been specified.

Engineers are working to build a new 235-metre viaduct supported by 134 concrete columns.

Network Rail’s area director, Paul Rutter said: “We understand the impact of this closure has had on passengers, and our engineers have been working round the clock to finish the repairs and get trains running again.

“We had set aside time for interruptions to the project through bad weather and other issues which can occur on major projects, but so far that contingency has not proved necessary.

"As a result we are much further ahead than we had expected and have seen the overall cost of the project decrease.

“As soon as we have a firm date for reopening the railway line, we will let passengers know.”

Network Rail’s senior programme manager, Steve Kilby, said: “This project has been a challenging one and normally a scheme of this size would take two years to design and build. We are very proud of everyone’s commitment to get this line open as soon as possible.

“We would like to thank passengers and our neighbours for their patience while work has been carried out to rebuild the railway at Dover.”

Richard Dean, Southeastern’s Train Service’s Director, said the company was currently working hard on a developing a new timetable to account for the re-opening of the line over the Dover sea wall.

He added: “I know passengers have found it difficult since the partial collapse of the sea wall severed the track we run our trains on at Dover.

“It is very good news that Network Rail’s engineers say they are confident the work will be finished in the autumn, much earlier than the December date predicted.”

Since last December commuters have had to use a bus replacement service between the two tows and season ticket holders have been offered a compensation package.

MP for Dover and Deal Charlie Elphicke said: “This is great news. The works are clearly ahead of schedule. Rail travellers and our whole community are set to benefit. I am looking forward to the line reopening and am incredibly optimistic that this date may now come sooner rather than later.

“Many congratulations to Network Rail and Costain on the incredible job they have done so far.”

Upon completion, Network Rail will have used more than 130,000 tonnes of rock and 5,500 cubic metres of concrete.