Rail passengers are being warned of a week of travel disruption in advance of major engineering works.
Network Rail says its engineers will carry out essential work at Dartford Junction over the February half-term next year.
During the upgrade, which will take place from Saturday, February 14 to Sunday, February 22, no Southeastern or Thameslink services will operate between Slade Green, Barnehurst, Crayford, and Gravesend via Dartford.
Buses will replace train services between these stations while work is carried out, as well as the weekend before to support preparation works.
Dartford Junction is one of the busiest railway junctions in Kent and sees supports tens of thousands of customer journeys between London and north Kent every day.
Network Rail, who will be carrying out the track overhaul, says the £10million investment will improve the reliability of the railway and help to provide more punctual journeys for customers.
The upgrade includes the renewal of 10 switches and crossings (also known as points), which allow trains to change tracks.
Around 400 yards of new rail, and the conductor rail that powers trains, will be laid between Slade Green and Dartford.
Additionally, platform adjustment work at Dartford Railway Station will reduce the stepping distance between platforms and trains.
An extensive awareness campaign has now begun to inform customers well in advance of the closure to help them plan ahead.
David Davidson, chief operating officer for South Eastern Railway, said: “The work at Dartford Junction, where 650 trains pass every day, is a vital investment in the long-term resilience and efficiency at one of the busiest sections on the South Eastern Railway network.
“We know there’s never a good time to do work like this, but we’ve deliberately chosen the half- term to minimise disruption, when schools are on holiday and fewer people are commuting.
“To make the most of the time available, we’ll also carry out additional improvement work at Dartford station.
“We understand this closure will significantly impact travel, and we’re working hard to ensure passengers are fully informed about its impact and the alternative travel arrangements available.”
No Thameslink services will operate between Plumstead and Gravesend during the works but an hourly Thameslink shuttle train service will run between Gravesend and Rainham.
Highspeed services to and from St Pancras via Gravesend will continue to operate.
More detailed information, including revised train and replacement bus times, will be made available in mid-November, around 12-weeks before the closure.
