From Saturday 1 February to Sunday 16 February, buses will replace trains between Guildford and Gatwick Airport while Network Rail engineers complete 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. Made out of a synthetic alternative (Fibre-reinforced Foamed Urethane), 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, including:
- Track upgrades: Replacing the existing jointed track layout with new long welded rail, removing the need for maintenance and repairs on the joints, plus the noise created when a train passes over a joint.
- Signalling improvements: Modernising the signalling in the area, which will feed back to the Guildford Area Signalling Centre.
- Level crossing enhancements: All four crossings will have new signalling installed and double lane barriers will replace the existing single lane barriers, reducing the chance of vehicles crossing the track when the barriers are down.
- Earthwork stabilising: One of the cuttings that borders the railway in Gomshall will be stabilised.
- Vegetation clearance: Teams will cut back trees and hedges that are either diseased or are overgrown and could pose a significant threat to the railway.
Once completed, the reliability of the North Downs Line will be improved, while the risk of speed restrictions or the line being closed for a significant time while emergency works are completed will be reduced.
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, GWR’s 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.
“Rail replacement services will be provided for those stations between Guildford and Gatwick that will not be served by GWR trains for 16 days.
“It’s important that customers are aware these alternative travel arrangements will make journey times much longer, so check before you travel.”
Image/video credit: Network Rail
