Network Rail outlines work during two-week closure of North Downs line to Gatwick

Two weeks of work on a line linking Gatwick Airport with towns to the west begins on Saturday.

From February 1-16, the North Downs Line will be closed between Guildford and Reigate, with rail replacement bus services taking GWR passengers to Redhill and Gatwick.

During the 16-day closure, Network Rail (NR) will complete track upgrades, signalling improvements, level crossing enhancements, earthwork stabilising and vegetation clearance.

Earthworks will focus on Gomshall where a cutting needs stabilising. The cutting is eight metres high and has a 50-degree slope and has a history of burrowing activity, primarily by badgers.

NR said that this, combined with weathering of sandstone outcropping near the crest and increased rainfall, increases the risk of mass failures or landslips.

Engineers will install more than 400 soil nails across 1,200 square metres of the upper part of the cutting, while more than 8,600 square metres of new woodland will also be planted.

Track replacement work will take place between Shalford Junction and Shalford station where the line crosses the River Wey, while vegetation clearance takes place between there and the station.

Level crossings at Tangley, Little Ford and East Shalford are being improved to improve sighting for car drivers while signalling work will also be taking place between Shalford and Gomshall. Sixteen will be upgraded along with four level crossings which will also have new equipment installed.

Mark Goodall, Network Rail’s Wessex route director said: “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.”

Southern services from Gatwick and Reigate will continue to operate during the work.