RAIL services across the county are to see major improvements as part of a £3.5 billion plan to renew the “congested” network across the South East.

Network Rail has announced its Strategic Business Plan to be carried out over the next five years, which it says is a “major milestone” in the process of determining funding requirements for this period.

The plan includes replacing the signalling system on a large stretch of Brighton Mainline, refurbishing and renewing 650km of track in the region, introducing new technology to predict delays and rolling out digital enhancements at the rail operating centre at Three Bridges.

John Halsall, Network Rail’s South East route managing director, said: “The growth we’ve seen in recent years, and which is set to continue, shows just how important the railway is – but it also means that disruption can have a major impact on many people’s lives and businesses.

“This five-year plan represents a significant railway investment for passengers in the South East, to give them the service they expect and deserve – a more frequent, more reliable train service, supported by digital technology, on a network that is even safer for our workforce, passengers and the wider public.”

Network Rail’s plan was published after the Government announced its high level output statements and statements of funds available.

The company said the plan will require record levels of investment in the region, focusing on producing a better experience for passengers and improving the railway lines connecting London to Sussex and other parts of the region.

As well as improvements to the Brighton Mainline, a new traffic management system for the whole route is intended to provide train signallers and controllers with a better “system-wide view and the ability to predict delays before they happen and plan accordingly”.

The plan also involves replacing 754 sets of points, which allow trains to move from one track to another, and improvements to 300 earthworks and fittings on the ground, which equates to 30 per cent of the South East route.

Technological advances that could be made at the rail operating centre at Three Bridges if the plan is approved aim to improve punctuality and reduce delays when unexpected incidents occur on the route.

The Office of Rail and Road is now taking steps to review the proposals and will make a draft determination of Network Rail’s funding needs in June, with a final decision on the plans expected in the autumn.