Guildford to Gatwick Line to Close for Two Weeks to Allow Critical Upgrades

Published on: 31 Dec, 2024
Updated on: 2 Jan, 2025

Critical upgrades to the Guildford to Gatwick railway line are necessitating the planned closure of the line for the first two weeks of February. The line will close from Saturday, February 1, to Sunday, February 16, with a bus replacement service operating.

Network Rail engineers will be completing a number of critical upgrades on the North Downs line for “the continued safe and reliable running of the railway”.

Engineers will be laying new wheel timbers – the blocks that carry tracks over bridges – on the railway bridge over the River Wey, to the south of Guildford (between Artington and Shalford). Made out of a synthetic alternative, the new wheel timbers will last 30 years longer than the old wooden versions and will mean fewer closures are needed in the future.

During this time, Network Rail will also be completing a range of other work, modernising the signalling in the area, including the renewal of four level crossings. All four crossings will have new signalling installed and will feedback to Guildford Area Signalling Centre. Double-lane barriers will replace the existing single-lane barriers, reducing the chance of vehicles crossing the track when barriers are down.

Teams will also be stabilising one of the cuttings that borders the railway in Gomshall to reduce the risk of landslips leading to lengthy line closures.

During this closure, buses will replace Great Western Railway (GWR) train services, operating between and Guildford and Redhill, stopping at all stations. Another bus service will run direct to Gatwick Airport. Southern and Thameslink trains to and from London, Reigate, Redhill and Gatwick Airport are not affected by these works and will continue to operate.

Mark Goodall, Network Rail’s Wessex Route Director, said: “I’m sorry to any passengers whose journeys will be disrupted while our engineers complete these important upgrades on the North Downs Line.

“This vital upgrade work will benefit passengers in the long run as they will experience smoother and more reliable journeys. The level crossing upgrades we are undertaking will significantly improve safety for both passengers, motorists and pedestrians alike while replacing the wheel timbers on the railway bridge over the River Wey with a synthetic material will mean fewer closures and disruption for passengers in the future due to their increased lifespan.

“I’d like to thank our passengers in advance for their patience and understanding.”

Andy Gallaugher, Great Western Railway station manager for the North Downs Line, said: “This work forms part of an ongoing programme of maintenance, helping to ensure we can continue to provide consistent and reliable services.