Line
closure - Guildford to Gatwick Airport station Saturday 11 to Friday 17
November
We are writing to let you know that 7-days of consecutive work will begin on the North Downs Line between Guildford to Gatwick Airport this November.
The reason for this work is so that we can renew life expired track components, replace 16no longitudinal wheel timbers (sections of wood that provide extra support to rails running over bridges) with new Fibre-reinforced foamed urethane (FFU). This will extend the life expectancy of the railway by up to 50 years.
With the railway closed for seven days we will also take the opportunity to replace the existing jointed track layout with new long welded rail, which will remove the undesirable sound pollution created when a train passes over joints. And install a brand-new gathering panel and guard rail system, which will offer a smoother ride for passengers.
During the closure trains will continue to operate between London, Redhill, Reigate and Gatwick but the line between Guildford and Reigate will be closed. Passengers on this route will be required to use rail replacement services which will operate between Guildford and Gatwick Airport..
Once the seven-day line closure is complete, and the track is renewed reliability on the North Down Line will be significantly improved. This will reduce the risk of speed restrictions being introduced or the line being closed for a significant time while emergency engineering works are completed.
Kind
regards,
Network Rail & Great Western Railway
For up-to-date information on industrial action please click on the following link:
Industrial Action | South Western Railway