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Friday 17 Jan 2014

Heavy rain brings disruption to Sussex railways

Region & Route:

| Southern

Trains have been disrupted by flooding this morning on routes into London from Sussex, following a night of heavy rain.

On the Brighton Main Line, Balcombe Tunnel was flooded from early this morning, with water flowing above the rails. Network Rail engineers are on the scene with pumps and the water levels have subsided, allowing a limited train service to begin. However, passengers are advised to check before they travel as further heavy rain is due in the area.

Two other lines remain blocked in the county, with the East Grinstead line flooded at Lingfield and Dormans, and the Redhill-Tonbridge route blocked at Nutfield.

Network Rail’s route managing director for Sussex, Tim Robinson, said: “It has been a difficult start to the day and we apologise to passengers for their disrupted journeys today. Heavy rain last night and this morning has landed on already saturated ground and run off onto the railway in several locations.

“We are working hard to get the lines clear again as soon as possible.”

Replacement buses will run between Haywards Heath and Gatwick Airport. However, many roads - including the M23, A22 and A23 - are also flooded in the area and people should expect extended journey times.

Southern trains between London and the South Coast will be diverted via Horsham and Arundel, with delays.

Buses are replacing trains between Oxted and East Grinstead and between Redhill and Tonbridge, extending journey times by up to 30 minutes.