Guildford to Gatwick Line To Close For a Fortnight For Major Upgrades

Published on: 8 Sep, 2025
Updated on: 8 Sep, 2025

The train from Gatwick arrives at Guildford. Picture: Network Rail

Buses will replace trains between Guildford and Gatwick Airport for two weeks during the second half of September so that signalling and level crossing upgrades can be carried out.

Network Rail engineers will install 16 new signal sets, the railway’s equivalent of traffic lights, between Shalford and Gomshall.

The company says this updated technology is designed to reduce faults, enhance safety and reliability for passengers and increase capacity for additional train services between Guildford and Gatwick Airport in the future.

The Brighton Main Line will remain operational, ensuring continued fast connections between London and Gatwick.

The work is due to take place between Sunday, September 14, through Saturday September 27. Services from Guildford to Gatwick Airport will be replaced by bus replacement services

Additionally, engineers will upgrade four level crossings: Chilworth, Tangley, Brook, and Burrows Lane.

Network Rail says Brook and Burrows Lane crossings will be equipped with advanced level crossing technology to improve safety for both rail and road users. Radar systems will scan these crossings and lower barriers only when the area is clear of vehicles.

Chilworth and Tangley crossings will feature CCTV systems, enabling signallers to safely operate barriers.

All four crossings will benefit from new signalling integrated with the Guildford Area Signalling Centre.

Three level crossings – Brooks, Burrows Lane and Chilworth – will be closed from midnight on Sunday, September14, until 6am on Sunday, September 28.

Tangley level crossing will shut from 11pm on Saturday, September 13, until Monday, September 15. From September 15 onwards, the crossing will be controlled by traffic management during the days, with full road closures at night (10pm-6am), until 9.59pm on Thursday, September 25.

Mark Goodall, Network Rail’s Wessex route director, said: “The signalling upgrade is vital for safety, reliability, and future capacity, enabling more connections to Gatwick. Passengers travelling from London and east Surrey can still use the Brighton Main Line to reach the airport.”

Andy Gallaugher, GWR Station Manager for the North Downs Line, advised passengers: “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.”

Further information about the work taking place can be found at: North Downs Line signalling upgrade – Network Rail