A major train line is blocked again and there will be disruption into the afternoon due to flooding on the route.

No trains can run between Haywards Heath and Brighton / Hove towards Brighton.

Commuters faced severe disruption on the main line between London and Brighton earlier today and no services ran between Haywards Heath and Brighton.

Journeys were delayed by at least 45 minutes. 

The line was reopened for around an hour between 1pm and 2pm, but Network Rail has since announced that the line from Haywards Heath to Brighton / Hove is blocked again due to flooding.

The Argus: Flooding on the line is causing delays and disruptionFlooding on the line is causing delays and disruption (Image: Network Rail)

Trains between Haywards Heath and Brighton / Hove may be cancelled or delayed until well into the afternoon.

Services will not call at stations between Haywards Heath and Brighton.

A spokesman for Govia Thameslink Railway, the operator in charge of Southern and Thameslink services, said: "Network Rail colleagues are on the way."

Passengers are advised to check journey planners before they travel to see if their route has been affected.

The Argus: Southern trains are among those affected by the floodingSouthern trains are among those affected by the flooding

Tickets are being accepted for no extra cost on the following:

  • Any alternative Southern, Thameslink or Gatwick Express service via any reasonable route
  • Metrobus services between Crawley, Three Bridges, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill and Brighton.
  • Brighton and Hove Bus services via any reasonable route, including between Brighton and Preston Park and Brighton and Hove/Shoreham.

According to Govia Thameslink Railway, water levels were quite high and there was flooding on the line between Hassocks and Preston Park.

While Network Rail carried out a safety assessment trains were unable to run through the area.

Lines had reopened but as the water has risen again they have been closed in the direction towards Brighton.

Heavy rain can also overwhelm the drainage systems, flooding tracks and slowing down trains in the vicinity, causing delays to journeys.

Disruption is now expected until at least 4.30pm.