Rail users told to find '˜alternative ways' to travel during mainline closure

Engineering works on the Brighton Mainline mean it will take twice as long to travel to and from the capital on Sunday (July 8).
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Jul 2018, 11:29 BST
Updated 16th Jul 2018, 17:05 BST
Network RailNetwork Rail
Network Rail

Network Rail said no trains will run between Three Bridges and Brighton and Three Bridges and Lewes, as a result of the works.

​​Trains will still run between London Victoria and Brighton, but will be diverted via Littlehampton, taking over two hours – twice the normal journey time.

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A limited supply of buses will operate along the closed section of Brighton Main Line railway but a queuing system and longer journey times are expected, so passengers are advised to consider alternative means of travel.

Network Rail said the work taking place on Sunday is an essential part of the £300m Government-funded programme to tackle delay hotspots and boost the reliability of the railway in the south east.

It will also ‘lay the groundwork’ for a major programme of improvement work planned for the Brighton Main Line in autumn 2018 and early 2019.

John Halsall, Network Rail route managing director, said: “The Brighton Main Line is one of the busiest and most congested routes in the country, but the simple truth is it’s nowhere near as reliable as passengers need and expect it to be.

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“We know there’s never a good time to close the railway, but the work we’re carrying out this Sunday is a vital step towards a much-needed upgrade of the 1980s signalling system that will deliver a more reliable railway for passengers.”

Nick Brown, chief operating officer for Govia Thameslink Railway, which runs Thameslink, Southern and Gatwick Express, said: “With fine weather forecast, we expect a lot of passengers will want to travel this Sunday but our message is seek alternative ways to get there if you can.

“We’re running as many trains and replacement buses as possible but they will be limited and we expect these to be very busy with queuing systems in place. If you’re heading to Brighton please use our diverted train services from London Victoria via Littlehampton but these will take considerably longer. Check National Rail Enquiries for revised times.”

To find out more about the works on the Brighton Mainline, visit: www.brightonmainline.co.uk

Related topics:Network RailBrightonThree BridgesLondon VictoriaLittlehampton