Signalling and safety improvements that will allow for more trains to run on the North Downs line will begin next week, with bus replacements being provided for passengers.
Surrey rail travellers are being warned to plan ahead and allow more time for their journeys as Network Rail launches infrastructure improvements that will future-proof services between Reading, Guildford and Gatwick Airport.
The ambitious two-week upgrade programme promises to install new signals and upgrade level crossings, vital to securing further capacity enhancements on the line.
Network Rail engineers will install cutting-edge signalling technology and upgrade critical level crossings on the North Downs line, while conducting essential structural work around Guildford. The improvements are designed to boost safety, reliability, and capacity across Surrey’s rail network.
- Sunday 14 September: Trains run Reading to Ash only, with buses replacing all services from North Camp to Gatwick.
- 15-27 September: Trains terminate at Guildford, with buses to Gatwick Airport.
- Journey times will be longer via replacement buses.
Andy Gallaugher, GWR station manager, North Downs Line, said: “Investing in the railway, this improvement work is game-changing for North Downs line services. While we understand the short-term inconvenience, passengers will in the future be able to benefit from more frequent services. In the short term the new signalling will offer improvements in resilience and reliability.
“It is however important that customers are aware as these alternative travel arrangements will make journey times longer.”
Alternative routes remain open, including:
- Southern services continue between Redhill-Reigate-Gatwick.
- Thameslink and Gatwick Express maintain airport connections.
- London Victoria and London Bridge routes to Gatwick unaffected.
Replacement buses will serve Dorking station instead of the usual Dorking Deepdene stop – customers are advised to check there pickup point.
Mark Goodall, Network Rail’s Wessex route director, commented: “We are advising passengers who use the North Downs Line between Guildford, Reigate and Gatwick Airport to please note the dates of this upcoming closure. I want to reassure passengers travelling to the airport from London that you can still take services from Victoria and London Bridge.
“Upgrading the signalling is critical to ensuring we’re providing a safe and reliable railway and will also increase capacity and allow for additional services to run in future, allowing more passengers across Surrey to connect with Gatwick Airport.”
“We know that there is never a good time to close the railway or level crossings and recognise this may be disruptive to rail passengers, motorists and pedestrians alike.
“We’d like to apologise in advance and thank anyone effected for their patience and understanding while we complete these important upgrades.”
Image credit: GWR
