Media centre

Thursday 5 Jun 2003

MAINTENANCE WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT ON THE BRIGHTON MAIN LINE TO BRING LONG TERM BENEFITS FOR PASSENGERS

Region & Route:

| Eastern: Anglia

| Eastern

| Southern

Network Rail will be carrying out essential maintenance and upgrade work on the railway between Coulsdon South and Redhill.  A programme of work will require the temporary closure of the lines between these stations from 0100 hrs on Saturday 26 July to 0430 hrs on Monday 11 August 2003. Network Rail is working closely with South Central and the other train operators using the line to limit service disruption and to keep local residents and passengers fully informed during this period. South Central is ensuring alternative arrangements are in place for passengers wishing to travel. Work will be carried out to repair and upgrade a culvert (an underground channel carrying water beneath the railway track) that has deteriorated in recent months.  Network Rail will also take the opportunity to undertake additional upgrade work including embankment stabilisation, bridge repairs and track maintenance. David Wilks, General Manager said, “It is vital that this work is carried out to make these essential repairs to the railway.  We will try our best to keep disruption to a minimum while the work is going on, but feel sure passengers will understand that the short term inconvenience will guarantee a more reliable train service in the future.”