Southern Rail: Buses replace trains in Sussex due to overrunning engineering works

Southern Rail first reported at 4am that those travelling between Hove/Brighton and Haywards Heath/Three Bridges will ‘need to use an alternative route.’.

“Overrunning engineering works between Brighton and Three Bridges mean all lines are closed,” a Southern statement read.

“Trains running between these stations may be cancelled, delayed by up to 45 minutes or revised.

“This is expected until 09:00.”

Originally, lines were planned to reopen by 5.05am but trains were unable to run between Brighton and Three Bridges until 7.50am.

The latest travel update read: “We're working to return to our scheduled timetable, but please continue to check journey planners and station information boards before you travel

“Some trains in the area will still be disrupted, and your journey may take up to 20 minutes longer than usual. Previous ticket acceptance will remain in place until further notice .”

No services have been able to run between: Brighton and Three Bridges / Gatwick Airport / London; Hove and Three Bridges / Gatwick Airport / London & Lewes and Three Bridges / Gatwick Airport / London

At the height of the incident, Southern Rail added: “We would strongly advise that you delay your journey this morning until the line has reopened. If you attempt to travel before this time then your journey will be extended by at least 60 minutes, and you'll likely need to use an alternative route to complete your journey instead.

“For journeys from stations between Brighton and Angmering / Littlehampton towards London, we would advise travelling via Ford/Barnham where you can change for services towards Gatwick Airport/London Victoria via Horsham.

“Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express are working to update journey planners to reflect the expected delays, alterations and cancellations this morning. Some services will be cancelled completely, will have cancelled stops, or will terminate and start at a different station to normal. Please check your journey before you travel using online departure boards and journey planners but please note that further changes will be possible.”

Ticket acceptance is in place on the following alternatives for no extra cost: Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express services interchangeably, including Southern services via Barnham and Horsham and between Uckfield and London Bridge; Southeastern services between Hastings and London Bridge & London Underground via any reasonable route including for travel between London Terminals.

You can also use your ticket on the following bus routes:

Metrobus:

• 271 between Crawley, Haywards Heath, Wivelsfield, Burgess Hill, Hassocks, Preston Park, and Brighton;
• 272 between Crawley, Three Bridges, Haywards Heath, Wivelsfield, Burgess Hill, Hassocks, Preston Park, and Brighton;
• 273 between Crawley, Hassocks, Preston Park and Brighton.

Brighton & Hove Buses:

• Regency 29, 29A, 29B, 29X between Brighton, Lewes, Uckfield, Crowborough, Eridge, and Tunbridge Wells;
• 5 between Brighton and Preston Park;
• 54 between Eastbourne, Polegate, and Uckfield.

Compass Travel:

• 31 / 31A / 31B between Uckfield and Haywards Heath (hourly service, 45-minute journey)

Southern Rail said a ‘limited number’ of replacement buses were running between Brighton and Three Bridges. Capacity was said to be limited and you ‘may not be able to board the first available bus’.

You will be entitled to compensation if you are delayed by 15 minutes or more in completing your journey. Keep your train ticket and make a note of your journey, as both will be required to support any claim at www.southernrailway.com/help-and-support/delay-repay-compensation