Predicted high track temperatures are set to cause delays to trains in London amid the city’s 34C heatwave. Trains travelling between East Croydon and Burgess Hill, including the Gatwick Express, are all set to be affected.
Temperatures are expected to reach a sweltering 34C in London tomorrow, with a heat health warning currently in place over London until 6pm.
Predicted “high track temperatures” mean that trains running between East Croydon and Burgess Hill may face delays of up to 10 minutes or revisions between 10am and 7pm today and tomorrow.
Railway tracks can heat up to 50C and risk buckling which is unsafe for trains to pass over. Slowing down trains helps exert lower forces on the tracks and can reduce this happening.
Journeys to or from Brighton and the coastal areas which travel via Burgess Hill and East Croydon may also see journey times increased by up to 10 minutes. The Gatwick Express service is also set to be affected, which will run between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport only.
Southern services from London Victoria and Littlehampton via Hove will also terminate at West Worthing and then restart from Worthing back to London Victoria. There will also be a reduced service between Littlehampton and Brighton.
Customers planning to travel on the Gatwick Express can do so at no extra cost on Thameslink services between Gatwick Airport and Brighton and Southern Services between Gatwick Airport and Hove.
Travellers who are making journeys between West Worthing and Littlehampton can use their tickets to travel at no extra cost on alternative Southern services between Worthing and Littlehampton. There may be short-notice cancellations on the day and it is advised to take water when travelling, says National Rail.
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