Disruption expected for Sussex trains over Easter weekend
Major engineering work is taking place on the line into London
A major signalling project means no trains will run between Sussex and London Victoria over the Easter weekend.
The work, which forms part of a £160 million improvement project from Network Rail, affects Southern services to the capital.
Many will be diverted to London Bridge, with some services being run between Balham and East Croydon.
Gatwick Express services will not run; customers are advised to use Southern or Thameslink services between London Bridge and Gatwick Airport.
Network Rail’s route director for Sussex, Katie Frost, said:
“I realise this stretch of track seems to be closed a lot lately – but there’s a good reason for that. Major investment always means there is a degree of disruption while the work is done and we are midway through that process now.
"The importance of the East Croydon to Victoria route with commuters means it’s a tough one for us to close outside of weekends and holidays, so this is the least-worst option for everyone.
“However, the equipment we are installing will be more reliable and the project will also reduce everyday delays through new designs of track and signalling.”
The resignalling scheme, which will complete in Christmas this year, will see all the 1970s-era signalling replaced with modern LED equivalents, along with a new control system, train detection, new points and even some new track too.
Control will move from the 1970s Victoria control centre to Network Rail’s state of the art Three Bridges route operating centre.
Southern’s Customer Services Director Chris Fowler said:
“Network Rail have worked closely with us to time this vital modernisation for the least possible inconvenience to our customers.
"Tickets will be accepted on relevant Tube and bus services between Victoria, Clapham and Balham, and on the Tube between Victoria and London Bridge. We’ve also arranged replacement buses between Clapham Junction and either Balham or East Croydon, as required, for local journeys in south London.
"Other Southern routes will be affected, including Brighton services, so we urge customers to check details and plan their journeys in advance.”