Rail line to close for 16 days for engineering work

Buses will replace trains between Guildford and Gatwick Airport between 1 and 16 February

A major railway line between Surrey and West Sussex is to close for more than two weeks while engineering work is carried out.

Engineers are to lay new wheel timbers on the bridge over the River Wey, to the south of Guildford, while upgrades to the track, signalling and level crossings are completed.

As a result, buses will replace trains between Guildford and Gatwick Airport for 16 days between 1 and 16 February.

Network Rail said the critical upgrades on the North Downs line were for the "continued safe and reliable running of the railway".

The new wheel timbers – blocks that carry tracks over bridges – are expected to last 30 years longer than the previous wooden versions.

'Vital upgrades'

While that work takes place, the signalling in the area will be modernised, four crossings will have new signalling and barriers installed and trees and hedges will be cut back, Network Rail said.

Route director Mark Goodall said once completed, the line's reliability would be improved and the risk of speed restrictions or closures would be reduced.

"I'm sorry to any passengers whose journeys will be disrupted," he said.

"This vital upgrade work will benefit passengers in the long run as they will experience smoother and more reliable journeys."

During the closure, buses will replace Great Western Railway services operating between and Guildford and Redhill, stopping at all stations. Another bus service will run direct to Gatwick Airport.

Southern and Thameslink trains to and from London, Reigate, Redhill and Gatwick Airport will not be affected.