Robertsbridge Extension update.

Future Plans…

Restoring the Missing Link

Plans for the railway to extend beyond its present terminus of Bodiam were abandoned by preservationists in the early days because permission was refused by the Department of Transport. But once the railway was successfully extended to Northiam with Bodiam beckoning, the decision was taken to form a separate company and prepare to re-construct the missing link.

The Rother Valley Railway

In its original operation the line was called the Rother Valley Railway and later re-named the Kent & East Sussex Railway. So the early name was chosen for the restoration company, aptly christened by Railway magazine as a ‘Lazarus Line’, being brought to life from what was widely thought of as dead and buried.

It is to follow the exact course of the original route which fortunately had not been developed during the long period of closure. One of the first actions was to acquire Robertsbridge station yard and first half mile of track-bed, enabling the company to establish its headquarters prior to extending further.

Robertsbridge Junction Station

The decision was taken for operational reasons to construct a new station adjacent to the existing Network Rail one. In early days, trains from Tenterden used the bay platform but this site was always difficult to operate, as a run round loop had never been installed there.

Public Inquiry

Following a public inquiry in 2021, the Government’s long-awaited decision was announced in 2023 – approving the reinstatement and reopening of the railway from Bodiam to Robertsbridge, as well as the many safeguards intended to minimise any adverse impacts.

Work is now underway in earnest towards completing the line so that trains can once again arrive at Robertsbridge from Tenterden, connecting there with the mainline for the convenience of passengers.

Further Information

For more updates please see the Rother Valley Railway website at https://www.rvr.org.uk/