Rail disruption explained in Sussex and Surrey amid planned engineering work
Train passengers across Sussex and Surrey are being affected by disruption this weekend, as engineering work takes place on key Southern and Thameslink routes.
Rail services between Purley, Redhill and Three Bridges are significantly reduced, with operators confirming that engineering work is taking place overnight Saturday and all day Sunday between Purley / Redhill and Three Bridges, closing some lines.
As a result, Southern services will run to an amended timetable with extended journey times between Purley / Redhill and Three Bridges, while some stations will see no trains at all.
The operator confirmed: “No trains will call at Earlswood or Salfords.”
To help passengers complete their journeys, ticket acceptance has been extended to local buses. Southern said: “Paper tickets will be accepted on local Metrobus routes 100, 400, 420 and 460, between Redhill and Three Bridges.”
Thameslink passengers will face similar disruption, with the company stating: “All day on Sunday, no trains will call at Earlswood or Salfords.”
Passengers travelling earlier in the day can use buses instead, as until 8pm, paper tickets will be accepted on local Metrobus route 100 between Redhill and Horley via Earlswood and Salfords.
After that time, ‘rail replacement buses will run between Redhill and Horley’.
Further disruption will affect routes into London, impacting commuters from both counties.
No trains can serve London Victoria this weekend. Operators confirmed: “No Southern or Gatwick Express trains will run to or from London Victoria.”
Instead, replacement buses will operate across south London, between Clapham Junction and East Croydon, calling at Wandsworth Common, Balham, Streatham Common, Norbury, Thornton Heath, Selhurst and West Croydon.
Passengers are being advised to plan ahead, with operators warning: “Replacement vehicles may be busier than usual, and you should allow extra time for your journey.”
Travellers are urged to check their routes before setting off, with journey planners available through National Rail and Transport for London.