Major UK train line to SHUT this weekend sparking chaos for thousands of holidaymakers, sunseekers & motorsport fans
It comes as hot weather sweeps the country and holidaymakers battle for space on packed beaches.
Advertisement
1
The disruption comes as temperatures on the South Coast are expected to hit 28C in Brighton on Sunday
Credit: David McHugh / Brighton Pictures
Network Rail has warned tourists and motorsport fans travelling between Brighton and London they will face severe disruption on Sunday due to urgent repair works.
Train bosses say there will be no services between Gatwick Airport and East Croydon, and some parts of Surrey.
This is due to the need to repair switches and crossings near Purley and Coulsdon.
Replacement buses
Rail replacement buses will run from East Grinstead to Gatwick Airport and Three Bridges, while trains direct from
Advertisement
READ MORE IN NEWS
Lucy McAuliffe, Sussex route director for Network Rail, apologised for the disruption and said the works were "essential to keep services running safely and reliably".
Replacement buses will also run between East Croydon, Redhill and Tattenham Corner and between Redhill and Tonbridge, a spokesperson for rail operator Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) said.
Major evacuation as 1,500 passengers 'trapped on train for 2 hours with no air con' in sweltering heat
The disruption comes as temperatures on the South Coast are expected to hit 28C in Brighton on Sunday.
In June, Gatwick-bound passengers said they faced "nightmare" travel after trains were forced to be evacuated when temperatures soared above 30C (86F) in South London.
Advertisement
Most read in The Sun
Jenny Saunders, customer service director for GTR, said: "I know that these works will be very disruptive for our passengers, and I am very sorry for any plans which may have to change as a result of this.
"It's important that our colleagues at Network Rail replace these points as soon as possible.
"Hundreds of our services cross this section of track each day – and it is vital to have reliable infrastructure which is less susceptible to closures at the last minute."
Heading to Brighton or Gatwick Airport this weekend? Here's what you need to know ...
With the main line blocked between London and the south coast, via Gatwick, passengers intending to travel on 13 July should plan ahead and allow significantly more time to travel – especially to Gatwick Airport.
Here is the latest advice from Network Rail:
Customers travelling between London and Gatwick Airport should use Southern trains between London Victoria and East Grinstead for frequent bus services between East Grinstead and Gatwick Airport / Three Bridges.
Customers travelling between London and the South Coast should use train services to/from East Grinstead, where replacement bus services will be running to/from Three Bridges for onward journeys.
Direct Southern trains will also run between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport, via an alternative route. Please note, this will take considerably longer than the usual service between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport
Replacement buses will run between East Croydon and Redhill /Tattenham Corner and between Redhill and Tonbridge.
Advertisement
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Victorian station reveals huge step forward with new train platforms, footbridge & multi-storey car park in £140m revamp
DARLINGTON station is getting a massive £140million makeover – and it's already underway. Two brand new platforms are being built, as well as a shiny new multi-storey car park, and passengers have been promised fewer delays. 6 The Victorian station is getting two new platforms and a larger carpark Credit: Network Rail The revamp is being led by Tees Valley Combined Authority, Darlington Borough Council, and LNER. As well as new platforms, there will be a fully enclosed footbridge to link them to the current building. It will be completely step-free and accessible for everyone. But that's not all. Cyclists are being catered for too, with new bike lanes and shelters on the way. read more on trains In the car park, there'll be room for over 600 cars, Work inside the existing Grade II listed station is in full swing, with teams cracking on behind hoardings on Platform 1 to install new lifts, staircases, and the future footbridge. The shortcut between Platforms 1 and 4 is shut for now, so passengers will need to follow signs around the back near Platforms 2 and 3 – and that's the way it'll stay until Autumn 2025. But don't worry – the trains are still running as usual. Most read in Travel Engineers have been rebuilding the railway bridge to help more trains get through the station in future. It's taken longer than expected, but the road is now set to reopen on 7 November 2025. Over on the Eastern Gateway, work has started on a striking new pedestrian bridge that'll link the old and new parts of the station. Foundations are being laid, and in a bold move, a hole will be cut in the Victorian station roof over Christmas – between 24 and 27 December – to slide the new bridge into place while trains are off. Meanwhile, the new Platforms 5 and 6 are starting to take shape, with work on the track layout kicking off this autumn. Fresh ballast will be laid and new track going down and all the complicated kit that lets trains switch lines will be installed near where the line heads off towards Bishop Auckland. Once it's all done – by the end of 2025 – the upgrade will give passengers more choice, fewer delays and a much better station experience. This comes after a series of satellite images of the development of a new The GWR Regional Growth Manager David Whiteway said the project would provide "valuable support for the community and local economies". Satellite images show the rapid development of the £15million scheme, which is being funded by the Department for Transport with contributions from Devon County Council and West Since work began in January, major progress has been made to create the new station on the edge of Okehampton, two minutes from the A30. In March, 300 metres of the single-line track was moved 90cm north to allow a new platform to be built alongside it. The previous track layout didn't allow for a platform to be built that meets regulations for new stations. New track and 20 concrete sleepers were installed in the new alignment and 1,000 tonnes of ballast (track stone) laid and compacted. Drainage work also took place with two new chambers built under the track and 300 tonnes of stone laid to allow water to flow away from the railway . Work is also ongoing to build a 200-space car park and station platform. Network Rail lead portfolio manager Alex Phillips said the past six months had seen "strong momentum on this important project, with several significant milestones reached". 6 The station will also provide easy access for cyclists and more bike lock-ups Credit: Network Rail 6 A step-free footbridge will run across the platforms Credit: Network Rail 6 Bosses have promised fewer delays at the station Credit: Network Rail 6 The project will cost a whopping £140 million Credit: Network Rail 6 Old and new parts of the station will be linked Credit: Network Rail
The 42
5 days ago
- The 42
'All is fine now' - Harry Maguire joining Man United tour after personal matter
MANCHESTER UNITED FLEW out for their pre-season tour of the United States without Harry Maguire but the defender has revealed he will join the squad on Wednesday after staying to deal with a personal matter. The 32-year-old was a half-time introduction in Saturday's 0-0 friendly draw with Leeds but was replaced in the 74th minute, then conspicuous by his absence from Tuesday's 32-man tour squad. The PA news agency understands Maguire remained at home due to a personal matter and the player has now confirmed he will only be a day late joining up with Ruben Amorim's men Stateside. 'All is fine now,' Maguire posted on an Instagram story. 'I will be travelling tomorrow to meet up with the squad. Thanks for your concern.' Advertisement Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia have unsurprisingly joined Barcelona-bound Marcus Rashford in being omitted from the travelling party heading for Chicago. The five are searching for new clubs and have been training away from Ruben Amorim's first-team squad since indicating that they wish to explore a future away from Old Trafford. Bryan Mbeumo is part of the group after completing his move from Brentford on Monday for a fee rising to a potential £71million [€81.72m]. Fellow summer arrivals Matheus Cunha, whose partner recently gave birth, and Diego Leon are also on the plane. Lisandro Martinez is included as he continues his rehabilitation from a cruciate ligament injury sustained in February. It's understood the United defender is not yet ready for team training. Amorim's side are flying from Manchester to their base in Chicago, where they will play Bournemouth at Soldier Field on July 30 as part of the Premier League Summer Series. They start the pre-season tournament at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey – host of next year's World Cup final – against West Ham on Saturday evening local time. United finish their three-game trip against Everton at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Atlanta on 3 August. Amorim's side welcome Fiorentina, including United great David De Gea, to Old Trafford for their final warm-up friendly on 9 August – the weekend before their Premier League opener at home to Arsenal.
Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Irish Examiner
All is fine now – Harry Maguire joining Man Utd tour after personal matter
Manchester United flew out for their pre-season tour of the United States without Harry Maguire but the defender has revealed he will join the squad on Wednesday after staying to deal with a personal matter. The 32-year-old was a half-time introduction in Saturday's 0-0 friendly draw with Leeds but was replaced in the 74th minute, then conspicuous by his absence from Tuesday's 32-man tour squad. The PA news agency understands Maguire remained at home due to a personal matter and the player has now confirmed he will only be a day late joining up with Ruben Amorim's men Stateside. Harry Maguire did not travel with United (Martin Rickett/PA) 'All is fine now,' Maguire posted on an Instagram story. 'I will be travelling tomorrow to meet up with the squad. Thanks for your concern.' Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia have unsurprisingly joined Barcelona-bound Marcus Rashford in being omitted from the travelling party heading for Chicago. The five are searching for new clubs and have been training away from Ruben Amorim's first-team squad since indicating that they wish to explore a future away from Old Trafford. Bryan Mbeumo is part of the group after completing his move from Brentford on Monday for a fee rising to a potential £71million. Fellow summer arrivals Matheus Cunha, whose partner recently gave birth, and Diego Leon are also on the plane. Lisandro Martinez is included as he continues his rehabilitation from a cruciate ligament injury sustained in February. PA understands the United defender is not yet ready for team training. Amorim's side are flying from Manchester to their base in Chicago, where they will play Bournemouth at Soldier Field on July 30 as part of the Premier League Summer Series. They start the pre-season tournament at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey – host of next year's World Cup final – against West Ham on Saturday evening local time. United finish their three-game trip against Everton at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Atlanta on August 3. Amorim's side welcome Fiorentina, including United great David De Gea, to Old Trafford for their final warm-up friendly on August 9 – the weekend before their Premier League opener at home to Arsenal.
