Network Rail: Planned closure between Guildford and Gatwick Airport

Work, including upgrading 1,089ft (332m) of 1970s track, will take place

Travellers face disruption next month when the railway line between Guildford and Gatwick Airport is closed for seven days.

The North Downs line, which links Reading and Guildford with Redhill and Gatwick, will be renewed from 11 and 17 November.

Work, including upgrading 1,089ft (332m) of 1970s track, will take place during the week.

Network Rail said the £1m investment would benefit customers for years.

During the closure, bus replacements will run along the affected line. Trains will continue between London, Redhill, Reigate and Gatwick, but the line between Guildford and Reigate will be closed.

'Critical' repairs

Great Western Railway's regional station manager for the line, Steven Hawker, said passengers were encouraged to check their journey beforehand.

Network Rail's Wessex route director, Mark Killick, said the repairs were "critical" to keeping the North Downs Line fully functional.

Mr Killick said: "This decision to close the railway was not taken lightly, but our engineers will use this time effectively."

Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].