Dates for Reading to Gatwick rail disruption revealed
Buses will replace trains for part of the journey in September
Network Rail are advising passengers travelling between Reading and Gatwick airport that part of the line will be closed for two weeks between Sunday 14 September and Saturday 27 September for critical signalling and level crossing upgrades.
Network Rail’s engineers will be installing and commissioning 16 sets of signals – the railway’s traffic lights - between Guildford and Reigate.
The new technology and kit means faults are less likely to occur, providing a safer and more reliable services for passengers, and boosting capacity for more trains to run between Guildford and Gatwick Airport in the future.
While the line is closed engineers will also upgrade four level crossings - Chilworth, Tangley, Brook and Burrows Lane.
Replacement
Services from Guildford to Gatwick Airport will be replaced by bus replacement services between Sunday 14 and Saturday 27 September.
Mark Goodall, Network Rail’s Wessex route director, said: “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.
“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.”
Additional
GWR Station Manager for the North Downs Line Andy Gallaugher said: “We would like to thank customers in advance for their patience while Network Rail carry out this vital work; but please do check before you travel, especially if you are a regular to the line.
“As well as helping to ensure the line is more reliable for all who use it, this investment in the railway also continues on the path towards achieving our long-held aspiration to provide additional services between Reading and Gatwick Airport.”