For 16 days buses will replace trains between Guildford and Gatwick Airport while engineers carry out vital work over the River Wey. From February 1 to February 16 Network Rail engineers will complete a number of critical upgrades on the North Downs line.
This will involve 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 closure means that 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: “I’m sorry to any passengers whose journeys will be disrupted while our engineers complete these important upgrades on the North Downs Line.
“This vital upgrade work will benefit passengers in the long run as they will experience smoother and more reliable journeys. The level crossing upgrades we are undertaking will significantly improve safety for both passengers, motorists and pedestrians alike while replacing the wheel timbers on the railway bridge over the River Wey with a synthetic material will mean fewer closures and disruption for passengers in the future due to their increased lifespan. I’d like to thank our passengers in advance for their patience and understanding.”
The closure means that buses will replace Great Western Railway (GWR) train services, operating between Guildford and Redhill,
(Image: Network Rail)
The new wheel timbers are made out of a synthetic material meaning they should last 30 years longer than the old wooden versions and mean fewer closures are needed in the future.
Network Rail will also use the closure to do some more work, such as the upgrading of four level crossings. All four crossings will have new signalling installed; 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 working in Gomshall to reduce the risk of landslips leading to lengthy line closures. Andy Gallaugher, Great Western Railway Station Manager for the North Downs Line, said: “This work forms part of an ongoing programme of maintenance, helping to ensure we can continue to provide consistent and reliable services.
“Rail replacement services will be provided for those stations between Guildford and Gatwick that will not be served by GWR trains for 16 days. It’s important that customers are aware these alternative travel arrangements will make journey times much longer, so check before you travel.”