Network Rail will be closing two of the four lines in the Salfords area (near Gatwick) on three days this weekend to secure the railway embankment to prevent a landslip. A reduced train service will operate and passengers are being asked to check before travelling.
Owing to heavy rain, there has been significant movement on a section of the embankment which has been picked up by our monitoring systems, and we have had to place a speed restriction of 5mph on this section of track.
The stabilisation works will involve delivering sheet piles to the area, using a crane to lift the sheet piles into place and to then drive the piles into the embankment to stabilise it. Repairs to the embankment will allow the temporary 5mph speed restriction to be removed and train services are expected to run as normal from Tuesday 12th January.
There will be a revised train service on Saturday 9th, Sunday 10th and Monday 11th January across the Southern and Thameslink network. Customers should expect a reduced service between the south coast, London and Cambridge, and to plan ahead at www.nationalrail.co.uk late on the evening before travel.
Shaun King, route director, Sussex said: “We are sorry for any inconvenience this emergency closure may cause the community at Salfords. The safety of passengers is of the utmost importance, so we have taken the decision to close the lines whilst we undertake this vital repair work.
“We would like to sincerely thank everyone for their patience and understanding during this time.”
Angie Doll, Managing Director for Southern and Gatwick Express, said: “I’m sorry for the disruption these emergency repairs will cause to people who must travel this weekend on the Brighton Main Line, for essential journeys only. We ask passengers to please allow plenty of extra time, check train times in advance at www.southernrailway.com or www.thameslinkrailway.com, and follow the rules, of hands, face and space.
“Tickets can be used on local bus services if necessary. You can also claim Delay Repay compensation if your journey is delayed by 15 minutes or more.”
Network Rail will return in the future for additional resilience work at this site. Passengers who need to travel this weekend should check their journey at www.nationalrail.co.uk
