Train services between London Bridge and East Croydon have resumed this morning this morning after Network Rail and Thames Water contractors worked for more than a day to mend a deep hole under the railway at Forest Hill
The hole was spotted by a lineside neighbour on Monday morning and the railway was closed between Norwood Junction and New Cross Gate for repairs to be made.
As previously reported, the hole under the track was found to have been caused by the collapse of an active sewer, six metres below ground.
Engineers found the problem section of pipe, sealed it and diverted the sewage flow. Carl Leadbetter, Thames Water’s regional network manager, said it was “an extremely complex job as the pipe is in a difficult location in the tracks and six metres below the ground”.
This then allowed Network Rail to begin filling in the hole with layers of concrete and stones. First dry concrete to form a base, then wet concrete, then 50 tonnes of ballast.
The railway reopened this morning after test trains were run overnight to ensure the line was safe.
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