Nove informacije o putovanjima: Putnicima na glavnoj liniji u Londonu, na aerodromu Gatwick i u Brightonu savjetuje se da planiraju unaprijed jer autobusi zamjenjuju vozove u nedjelju, 13. jula

Subota, jul 5, 2025

Passengers traveling on the Brighton Main Line between London, Gatwick Airport, and the south coast are advised to plan ahead as urgent engineering works will disrupt services on Sunday 13 July. All four tracks north of Gatwick Airport will be closed, and buses will replace trains, affecting Southern, Thameslink, and Gatwick Express services.

Urgent Engineering Works at Stoats Nest Junction

The closure is necessary to replace deteriorating switches and crossings at Stoats Nest Junction, located between Purley and Coulsdon South. These components are critical for allowing trains to switch tracks safely and reliably. Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail’s Sussex Route Director, emphasized the importance of this work, stating, “If we don’t do the work now, there’s a risk we’d have to bring in speed restrictions or even close the line at short notice, which would mean even bigger delays to passenger and freight services.”

Passenger Travel Advice

Passengers planning to travel on Sunday 13 July are strongly advised to plan ahead and allow significantly more time for their journeys. The following arrangements will be in place:

• London do aerodroma Gatwick: Southern trains will operate between London Victoria and East Grinstead. From East Grinstead, replacement bus services will run to Gatwick Airport and Three Bridges.
• London to the South Coast: Train services will operate to/from East Grinstead, where replacement bus services will connect to Three Bridges for onward journeys.
• Direct Services to Gatwick Airport: Southern trains will run directly between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport via an alternative route. Please note, these services will take considerably longer than usual.
• East Croydon to Redhill/Tattenham Corner: Replacement buses will operate between these stations.
• Redhill to Tonbridge: Replacement buses will operate between these stations.

Passengers should be prepared for queuing systems and limited space on buses. It is recommended to leave plenty of time to complete the journey.

Impact on Gatwick Airport Passengers

For passengers traveling to Gatwick Airport, especially those catching flights, it is crucial to allow extra time due to the extended journey times and potential delays. The disruption is expected to affect both domestic and international services.

Ongoing Infrastructure Improvements

This engineering work is part of a broader initiative to enhance the reliability and capacity of the Brighton Main Line. The Croydon Area Remodelling Scheme (CARS), which includes improvements to Stoats Nest Junction, aims to increase capacity and reliability on the line, benefiting both passenger and freight services. These upgrades are essential to accommodate growing demand and ensure the long-term sustainability of the rail network in the region.

Preporuke za putnike

• Provjerite prije putovanja: Passengers are urged to check their journey details before traveling and again before leaving for the station.
• Dozvoli dodatno vrijeme: Given the extended journey times and potential delays, passengers should allow significantly more time for their journeys.
• Razmotrite alternativne rute: If possible, consider alternative routes or travel times to minimize disruption.
• Ostanite informisani: Keep up to date with the latest travel information through the Southern, Thameslink, and Gatwick Express websites and customer service channels.

zaključak

The critical engineering undertakings of the Brighton Main Line on Sunday 13 July are required to ensure the safety and reliability of the rail network. Though the works will result in substantial disruption, they are an integral component of continuous work to develop the infrastructure and cope with increased demand. Passengers should plan ahead, give themselves extra time for their journeys, and check the most up-to-date information before they travel.