Rail line to close to allow 'critical upgrades'

A railway line between Surrey and Sussex will close for 16 days so that "critical upgrades" can be carried out.

Network Rail said no trains will run between Guildford and Gatwick Airport from 1 February to 16 February.

During the closure, engineers will be laying new wheel timbers – the blocks that carry tracks over bridges – on the railway bridge over the River Wey, to the south of Guildford.

The new wheel timbers, which are made out of a synthetic alternative, will last 30 years longer than the old wooden versions and will mean fewer closures are needed in the future.

During the closure, Network Rail will complete a range of other work, including modernising the signalling in the area and the renewal of four level crossings.

All four crossings will also have new signalling installed, and double lane barriers will replace the existing single lane barriers, reducing the chance of vehicles crossing the track when barriers are down.

Teams will also be stabilising one of the cuttings that borders the railway in Gomshall to reduce the risk of landslips leading to lengthy line closures.

During the closure, buses will replace Great Western Railway (GWR) train services, operating between Guildford and Redhill, stopping at all stations.

Another bus service will run direct to Gatwick Airport.

Southern and Thameslink trains to and from London, Reigate, Redhill and Gatwick Airport are not affected by these works and will continue to operate.

Mark Goodall, Network Rail's Wessex route director said: "This vital upgrade work will benefit passengers in the long run as they will experience smoother and more reliable journeys.

"I'd like to thank our passengers in advance for their patience and understanding."

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