Rail bosses have warned beachgoers travelling to the south coast about major engineering work taking place this weekend. Part of the Brighton Main Line will shut all day on Sunday, July 13, to replace deteriorating switches and a crossing rail in South London.
As a result buses will replace trains between East Croydon and Gatwick Airport, which could dampen plans for Londoners heading to beaches in Sussex for a heatwave dip.
The mercury is set to hit 30C or higher this afternoon in London on Saturday afternoon (July 12), and is likely to reach similar levels on Sunday. Slightly cooler temperatures of 28C and 25C for Saturday and Sunday respectively are expected in Brighton this weekend, meaning many Londoners will have plans to escape the intense heat of the capital.
Network Rail has warned passengers that journey times could take much longer. For example, people looking to travel from London Victoria to Gatwick will need to take a train to East Grinstead before hopping on a bus towards the terminals.
There will be a direct rail link from London Victoria to Gatwick, but this is set to take considerably longer as it journeys around the rail closures. Queueing systems will be in place at some stations, so passengers are advised to allow extra time for travel.
Full roundup of affected routes
- As previously mentioned, the fastest way to reach Gatwick will be to take a train to East Grinstead and then take a bus
- If you’re travelling to Brighton and other parts of the south coast also take a train to East Grinstead, from which you can travel by bus to Three Bridges.
- From here, you can continue the rest of your journey by rail
- Direct trains to Gatwick Airport from London Victoria will still be available – but by a much longer route
- Replacement buses will run between East Croydon, and both Redhill and Tattenham Corner. And also between Redhill and Tonbridge.
‘We’re really sorry for the disruption’
Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail’s Sussex route director, previously said the track work is essential to prevent the risk of speed restrictions or even closing the line at short notice.
She added: “We know closing the railway is frustrating, and we’re really sorry for the disruption this causes. We always try to avoid doing this kind of work during the summer, but replacing this section of track is essential to keep services running safely and reliably.
“The Brighton Main Line is usually very busy, so if you’re travelling on Sunday, July 13, please plan ahead and check before you travel as your journey will take longer.”
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