A major coastal defence project is underway by South Eastern Railway to protect the iconic railway through Folkestone Warren.

To reinforce the sea defences below the railway, the first of three deliveries of Boulogne Limestone, a tough, crystalline rock that is hard wearing and well suited for use in coastal protection, was delivered onto the beach yesterday, 5 January

These will now be strategically placed along the beach to shield the coastline from erosion and stabilise the railway and surrounding cliffs for the next 30 years. The rocks will be placed directly on the beach, covering approximately three hundred metres of shoreline. In total 18,000 tonnes of limestone will be used with a further two deliveries subject to weather conditions. 

The walkway along the beach is also currently being repaired. Both the walkway and Western beach will remain closed until the work is complete, with reopening scheduled for April 2026. Work may be suspended during periods of severe weather or rough sea conditions over the winter.

Despite the scale of the works, the railway line will remain open throughout, with all activity taking place away from the track to avoid disruption to passengers. The project has been carefully planned to minimise impact on the local community.

In addition to the coastal protection rocks, around fifty sheet piles will be installed behind the sea wall to prevent seawater from undermining the abutments, the structures that support the railway. Drainage systems will also be repaired, as the existing system has subsided by a metre due to 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.”