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Friday 17 Jan 2014

Rail Update 4pm: Heavy rain brings disruption to Sussex railways

Region & Route:

| Southern

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

With more intense rain forecast this evening Network Rail and operator Southern are strongly advising passengers who are hoping to travel through Sussex tonight to make their journey as soon as possible.

Network Rail’s route managing director Tim Robinson said: “This has been a very challenging day and we appreciate people’s patience while we have been dealing with unprecedented levels of rain and flooding on the line. Our engineers have been out on the track working hard to get trains running again.

“However, there is more rain forecast this evening, which will be falling on already-saturated ground, and we are encouraging people to travel home earlier rather than later.”

A spokesman for operator Southern said: “Together with Network Rail, we have worked hard today to keep as many routes open as possible while flooding persists on parts of the Southern network. Currently, there is still flooding between Hurst Green and East Grinstead and Redhill to Tonbridge route where replacement buses are in operation where road conditions permit.

"The line between Billingshurst and Horsham is also disrupted by floods. With more heavy rain anticipated later this afternoon and this evening, we are advising passengers to travel earlier if at all possible.”

As of 4pm, the Brighton Main Line is open with a limited service.

Balcombe Tunnel was closed by flooding early this morning and reopened around 10.30am. We continue to work to reopen the routes affected and passengers are advised to check before they travel.