Media centre

Monday 20 Jul 2015

Extending platforms between Edenbridge Town and Uckfield will improve daily commute for thousands

Region & Route:

| Southern

People in Kent and East Sussex can find out more about a project to boost rail capacity and reduce crowding on the Uckfield line at a series of drop-in sessions organised by Network Rail.

The exciting new project will extend 12 station platforms between Edenbridge Town and Uckfield, allowing the introduction of 10 coach trains that will reduce crowding on the Uckfield line and help to meet growing passenger demand.  The new longer trains will increase capacity on the line during the morning peak by 50%.  

Network Rail will build the longer platforms and infrastructure, and Govia Thameslink Railway will lease, refurbish and run the trains.

Network Rail Project Manager, Craig Melhuish, said: “By extending the platforms we will be able to run longer trains that will reduce congestion and improve the daily commute for thousands of people. Eight of the twelve platforms need to be doubled in length, which is a considerable amount of work when compared with many other platform extensions projects previously delivered on the network.”

Network Rail will start setting up site compounds at some stations in early August 2015, and start preparation works later in the month.  Permanent works will start in September at some sites and in the New Year for others. The stations will be completed on a staggered basis between February and July 2016.

The main impact is summarised below:

• 2 November – 25 November 2015
  • Monday to Friday between 0920 and 1640 - The line will be closed between Hurst Green and Uckfield, with changes to last trains Monday to Thursday
• 4 January –20 February 2016
  • The line will be closed between Crowborough and Uckfield, all day.
• 29th February – 25th March 2016
  • Monday to Friday between 0920 and 1640 - The line will be closed between Hurst Green and Uckfield, with changes to last trains Monday to Thursday
• There will be weekend closures from Hurst Green to Uckfield at various points between August and May

Network Rail Project Manager, Craig Melhuish, said: “Where possible we have planned the project to not affect peak time services, therefore reducing the impact on those that use the line on a daily basis.”

 “A staggered approach to the project will mean that it will only affect areas when and where the specific works are taking place.  It means the project will be delivered as soon as practically possible, with the least amount of people disrupted.”

During the line closures, a comprehensive rail replacement bus service will operate along the line, connecting with trains at Oxted during the off-peak closures, and Crowborough during the all-day closure. 

NOTES TO EDITORS

• On Monday 13^th July letters were sent to residents inviting them to attend drop in sessions:
  • Edenbridge - Wednesday 22 July 2015 4-8pm
    • Edenbridge Leisure Centre, Stangrove Park, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 5LU
  • Crowborough - Monday 27 July 2015 4-8pm
    • Crowborough Leisure Centre, Eridge Road, Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 2TN
  • Uckfield - Wednesday 29 July 2015 4-8pm
    • The Civic Centre, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 1AE (Ashdown Room)

• The Stations affected by the project are:
  • Edenbridge Town: Both platforms to be extended by 114m to country end
  • Hever: Both platforms to be extended by 114m to London end
  • Cowden: Platform to be extended by 115m to London end
  • Ashurst: Both platforms to be extended by 114m to country end
  • Eridge: Platform to be extended by 100m to London end
  • Crowborough: Both platforms to be extended by 87m to country end
  • Buxted: Platform to be extended by 115m to London end
  • Uckfield: Platform to be extended by 56m to London end
• Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) will operate Southern from 26th July 2015.
• For more information networkrail.co.uk/contactus and www.southernrailway.com/uckfieldline 
• If local residents or passengers have any additional questions, they should telephone our 24-Hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41.