Passengers urged to plan ahead as Brighton Main Line closed

Engineering work will result in a complete closure between East Croydon and Gatwick Airport.

Network Rail has announced that no trains will operate on January 12 between East Croydon and Gatwick Airport, including the stations in between.

The closure is due to vital maintenance tasks along the line.

The engineering crew will use this opportunity to conduct essential maintenance on the tracks, signalling, power supply systems, and structures at more than 50 sites.

Routine inspections, litter removal, and vegetation clearance will also be undertaken.

The work will affect Southern, Thameslink, and Gatwick Express passengers travelling between London and Brighton via Gatwick Airport.

Network Rail has proposed alternate routes for passengers.

Travellers heading to Gatwick Airport from London are advised to take a train from London Victoria to East Grinstead and connect to the airport using the rail replacement bus service.

Alternatively, a direct train service from London Victoria to the airport, which will take a slightly longer route, is also available.

Local journeys will be served by rail replacement bus services, including services to and from Purley.

For those travelling between London and the South Coast, Network Rail recommends using East Grinstead as a transit point, connecting with rail replacement services between East Grinstead and Three Bridges.

Network Rail urges passengers to plan their journeys in advance using the smartphone app, websites, or www.nationalrail.co.uk, as journeys are expected to take longer.

Train services have been amended to ensure that passengers from London Victoria maintain a connection with the airport.

A train will depart every 30 minutes via Horsham, calling at Gatwick Airport.

Lucy McAuliffe, Sussex Route Director for Network Rail, said: "The lines between East Croydon and Gatwick Airport are among the busiest in the country.

"We don’t close them very often and when we do we look to make best use of that access to do as much work as possible to improve passenger journeys.

"This Sunday our teams will be working at more than 50 worksites delivering a massive amount of work to ensure that trains continue to run safely and reliably on this crucial section of the Brighton Main Line.

"I’d like to thank customers for bearing with us while our teams work hard to improve this integral part of our rail network."

Jenny Saunders, Customer Service Director for Govia Thameslink Railway, added: "If you’re looking to travel between London and the south coast this weekend, please plan ahead and check before you leave for the station.

"Essential engineering works between East Croydon and Gatwick Airport will close the Brighton Main Line all day on Sunday, and late on Saturday night.

"It means journeys will take longer, may involve a bus, and are likely to be busier than normal.

"See how your route will be affected by visiting the Southern, Thameslink or Gatwick Express websites."