Major rail works to continue for a second weekend

Network Rail is set to continue improvement works on one of the country's busiest lines for the second of three weekends.

The works will affect commuters travelling on lines between Brighton, Gatwick Airport and East Croydon, as well as lines between Reigate and Redhill, and from Redhill to Tonbridge.

Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail Sussex route director, said the company was using the "typically quieter time" of year to carry out the works to avoid closures at busier times.

Replacement buses will be in operation, plus a train service will run between Gatwick and Victoria using a diversionary route, calling at Clapham Junction.

Network rail said key improvements included:

• Installing new rails and conductor rail, plus refurbishing switches and crossings at Purley, between Earlswood and Horley, and between Merstham and Coulsdon South

• New electric conductor rail between Redhill and Reigate

• Repairing the drainage systems along three miles of track at Caterham to manage water effectively and reduce potential delays

• Installing wheel timbers at the intersect bridge near Godstone and the Brighton Road bridge at Coulsdon South to maintain structural integrity

The works are expected to continue next weekend from 24 to 25 January, with additional engineering works to start on 1 February.

Rob Mansfield, chair of Tonbridge Line Commuters, said: "We would have preferred Southern to have stored a train on the line or worked with Southeastern to borrow some depot space for a train to allow some form of shuttle service to continue."

Mansfield described the line between Redhill and Tonbridge as "an underused, but essential line and routinely gets second class treatment."

In response, a spokesperson for Network Rail said because of the "significant maintenance work on the station area", they "can't physically get trains into Redhill station."

The spokesperson apologised and said Network Rail understood the difficulties it might cause.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.