Key railway route to Gatwick closes for 2 weeks: details of major works.

Key railway connection closed for two weeks for repairs

According to The Sun: Today, an important railway line serving the largest airports in the UK is halting operations for a period of 'critical' upgrades that will last two weeks. Trains will be replaced by buses.

This closure will affect schedules in Surrey and West Sussex, shutting the North Downs line between Guildford and Reygate, which is one of the main routes to Gatwick Airport, from Sunday, September 14 to Saturday, September 27.

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Buses on the rail routes will transport passengers to and from Gatwick.

Network Rail reports that during the works, 16 new signals are planned to be installed between Shalford and Gomshall, which will improve safety, reduce breakdowns, and allow more services to operate to the airport in the future.

Additionally, four railway crossings will be updated – Chilworth, Tangley, Brook, and Burrow Lane.

Radar systems will be installed at the Brook and Burrow Lane crossings, which will raise barriers only when the road is clear, and CCTV cameras will be set up at Chilworth and Tangley to safely manage signal operations.

The closures of the crossings will last throughout the work period. The Brook, Burrow Lane, and Chilworth crossings will remain closed until 6:00 AM Sunday, September 28. The Tangley crossing will be closed from 11:00 PM Saturday, September 13, until 6:00 AM Monday, September 15, and after that will operate with daytime traffic controls and nighttime closures until September 25.

“We apologize for the inconvenience caused to passengers using the North Downs line between Guildford, Reygate, and Gatwick Airport,” said Mark Goodall, Route Director for Wessex at Network Rail.

“Upgrading the signaling is vital for safety, reliability, and future capacity, which will ensure more connections to Gatwick.”

Great Western Railway (GWR) is also urging passengers: “We warn customers to check schedules before traveling, especially if you regularly use the line.”

“This investment in the railway also brings us closer to achieving our goal of providing more services between Reading and Gatwick Airport,” added GWR Station Manager for the North Downs line Andy Gallagher.

Passengers can find updates on Network Rail's webpage dedicated to the modernization of the North Downs line signaling.

PA:Press Association The period of closure of the North Downs railway line is aimed at significantly improving the safety and reliability of services, while also enabling an increase in the number of flights to Gatwick Airport. It is important for passengers to consider the changes in the schedule and plan their journeys in advance, using alternative modes of transport.