SUSSEX: Rail services revised in face of soaring temperatures: Thameslink train and track at Three Bridges station

Sunday 29 Jun 2025

SUSSEX: Rail services revised in face of soaring temperatures

Region & Route:
Southern
| Southern: Sussex

Passengers travelling on the Brighton Main Line are advised to check before they travel tomorrow and Tuesday.

Network Rail, Southern, Thameslink, and Gatwick Express, are advising passengers to check before they travel on Monday and Tuesday this week, particularly on the sections of the Brighton Main Line where speed restrictions will be in place.

Rail temperatures are predicted to soar with the mercury hitting 50C on the track itself, forcing the implementation of blanket speed restrictions by Network Rail on part of the Brighton Main Line to ensure everyone’s safety. The speed restriction will be in place on both Monday and Tuesday.

To keep trains running at these lower speeds, a revised timetable is being introduced which is summarised online at each train operator’s website.

These websites and other online journey planners such as nationalrail.co.uk are being updated with the revised times.

A spokesperson for Network Rail and the train operators said: “With temperatures set to soar as forecast by the Met Office, speed restrictions have to be imposed across large parts of the network to ensure everyone’s safety.

“We’re sorry but this means we won’t be able to run as many trains as normal and journeys will take longer. Trains that are running will also be much busier. If you are able to work from home then that may be your best option.

“If you do take the train, then please remember to take a bottle of water and if you begin to feel unwell, seek help at the next station and speak to station staff. Pulling emergency alarms onboard may delay us getting help to you.”

Notes to Editors

Find out how extreme heat affects rail tracks: Buckled rail - Network Rail

Information is available at www.thameslinkrailway.com, www.southernrailway.com, www.gatwickexpress.com and www.nationalrail.co.uk.

Contact information

Passengers / community members
Network Rail national helpline
03457 11 41 41

Latest travel advice
Please visit National Rail Enquiries

Journalists
Paul Prentice
Communications Manager
07354 529345
paul.prentice@networkrail.co.uk

About Network Rail

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