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Southeastern passengers warned of major Easter weekend rail disruption as engineering work takes place across Kent

Buses will replace trains on major routes through Kent over Easter, but at least they'll have a clear run.

Almost 40 sets of roadworks on motorways and A roads are being lifted in time for the long weekend, including on three different sections of the M20.

Works on the M25 around Dartford and Swanley will also be removed, but the news is not so good for those travelling by train.

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Busses will replace trains over the Easter weekend on several routes
Busses will replace trains over the Easter weekend on several routes

Rail passengers are warned to expect major disruption over the Easter weekend as upgrade works take place.

Network Rail is completing a number of projects across the county, including on the line between Strood and Maidstone West.

Buses will also replace trains between Swanley and Faversham and Gravesend and Faversham between Good Friday and Easter Monday.

It means passengers in the Medway Towns will be left without trains for four days as engineers replace worn-out tracks and upgrade the 1950s-era signalling equipment.

Engineers will carry out work across the network
Engineers will carry out work across the network

Alasdair Coates, Network Rail’s route managing director said: “We are improving the railway for passengers but to do that we have to make service changes over Easter.

“From new track to new signals, this work plays an important part in increasing the reliability of Kent’s railways.”

Work will take place at Rochester and Rainham railway stations.

Due to trains being unable to leave the Gillingham depot, buses will also replace trains between Sittingbourne and Sheerness.

Network Rail says it is the biggest ever Easter works schedule.

Eight million people are expected to make a journey on the UK's rail network over the four-day weekend, but 450 engineering projects are expected to hamper plans.

Drivers will also face queues as 16 million vehicles are expected to take to the roads.

Ian Baldry of IBPTS travel consultants said: "This could be the worst ever Easter for disruption."

Check your journey at southeasternrailway.co.uk

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