Friday 20 Dec 2019
DO NOT TRAVEL- Severe flooding on Brighton Main Line affecting Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express services
- Region & Route:
- Southern
Passengers using the Brighton Main Line this morning between Brighton and Gatwick are being urged not to travel as flooding on the railway is severely impacting services.
Heavy rainfall overnight has caused significant flooding along the route, with water completely submerging the rails in some areas. Network Rail engineers are on site and are looking to remove flood water from the area where possible.
The line between Haywards Heath and Three Bridges is closed, so Network Rail is urging passengers to follow the travel advice issued by train operators along the route, which is that passengers in this area should not travel. The Uckfield line south of Crowborough is also closed.
Passengers should check with their train operator or via National Rail Enquiries for updates.
Severe flooding causes significant challenges for the railway. It can dislodge ballast, the stones which support the track, cause damage to electrical equipment which controls train movements and can mean debris is washed onto the track. All of this needs to be inspected and any debris removed before train services can resume again.
Network Rail is sorry for the disruption this morning and thanks passengers for their patience during this time.
ENDS
Notes to eds- individual websites for train operators are:
https://www.thameslinkrailway.com/
https://www.southernrailway.com/
https://www.gatwickexpress.com/
Notes to Editors
DETAILED SERVICE INFORMATION
Heavy rainfall is causing major disruption across the Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express network.
We strongly advise to NOT travel at this time between Brighton and Gatwick Airport.
Disruption is expected to continue until 14:00.
Alternative routes to reach your destination are limited, so you should make your own way to your destination. Please be mindful that roads will also be suffering from the increased rainfall.
Travelling to Gatwick Airport?
- To / from London: Trains are still running from both London Bridge and London Victoria.
- To / from stations south of Haywards Heath: consider making alternative arrangements or travel back to Brighton for a journey via Barnham.
- To / from Lewes/Brighton: You can travel to Barnham and change there for trains to Gatwick via Horsham.
At this time the following locations are affected:
Brighton to Three Bridges
The Balcombe area is currently flooded.
No services will operate at this time between Haywards Heath and Three Bridges and you're advised not to travel on this route. If you must travel to London today you will need to travel to Brighton for trains towards Barnham, changing at Barnham for a train towards London via Horsham.
Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express are attempting to run services between Brighton and Haywards Heath.
A service will still operate between London and Three Bridges.
You may use your tickets on the following -
METROBUS 272 for Crawley, Three Bridges, Haywards Heath, Wivelsfield, Burgess Hill, Brighton
METROBUS 271 for Crawley, Haywards Heath, Wivelsfield, Burgess Hill, Hassocks, Brighton
You could consider travelling along the coast to Barnham, to take a service towards Horsham and London, although this will be a lengthier journey, it may help reach your destination.
Oxted to Uckfield:
Flooding has been reported at both Hever and Crowborough.
Southern will run services to / from Crowborough, but Buxted and Uckfield will not be served. Please make your own way to Crowborough or Oxted, to then take a train service.
You may wish to make your way to Tunbridge Wells, where your ticket will be accepted on Southeastern services to London.
You will also be able to use your ticket on the London Underground, between London terminals, to complete your journey.
Rail replacement buses will operate in the affected areas, and these will run to station staff direction. Please note the amount of buses is limited so this will only be a limited solution.
Contact information
Passengers / community members
Network Rail national helpline
03457 11 41 41
Latest travel advice
Please visit National Rail Enquiries
Journalists
Network Rail press office - Amy Brenndorfer
Senior Communications Manager
07858375508
07730359569
Amy.Brenndorfer@networkrail.co.uk
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