Media centre

Thursday 4 Sep 2025

TEN DAYS TO GO: North Downs Line between Guildford and Reigate to close for two weeks in September with buses replacing trains.

Region & Route:

Southern: Wessex

| Southern

Buses will replace trains between Guildford and Reigate for two weeks, commencing Sunday 14 September through Saturday 27 September, due to critical signalling and level crossing upgrades.

During this period, Network Rail engineers will install and commission 16 new signal sets, the railway’s equivalent of traffic lights, between Shalford and Gomshall. This updated technology is designed to reduce faults, enhance safety and reliability for passengers, and increase capacity for additional train services between Guildford and Gatwick Airport in the future. The Brighton Main Line will remain operational throughout, ensuring continued fast connections between London and Gatwick.

Additionally, engineers will upgrade four level crossings: Chilworth, Tangley, Brook, and Burrows Lane. Brook and Burrows Lane crossings will be equipped with advanced level crossing technology to improve safety for both rail and road users; radar systems will scan these crossings and lower barriers only when the area is clear of vehicles. Chilworth and Tangley crossings will feature CCTV systems, enabling signallers to safely operate barriers. All four crossings will benefit from new signalling integrated with the Guildford Area Signalling Centre.

Changes to passenger services

Services from Guildford to Gatwick Airport will be replaced by bus replacement services between Sunday 14 and Saturday 27 September.

Road closures

To complete the installation of the new level crossings, the level crossings need to close. Brooks, Burrows Lane and Chilworth level crossings will be closed from 00:01 on Sunday 14 September to 06:00 Sunday 28 September.

Tangley level crossing will shut from 23:00 on Saturday 13 September to 06:00 Monday 15 September. From September 15 onwards, the crossing will be controlled by traffic management during the days, with full road closures at night (22:00 – 06:00), until 21:59 Thursday 25 September.

Mark Goodall, Network Rail’s Wessex route director, said: “We are sorry for the inconvenience facing passengers who use the North Downs Line between Guildford, Reigate and Gatwick Airport. The signalling upgrade is vital for safety, reliability, and future capacity, enabling more connections to Gatwick. Passengers travelling from London and east Surrey can still use the Brighton Main Line to reach the airport.”

GWR Station Manager for the North Downs Line Andy Gallaugher said: “We would like to thank customers in advance for their patience while Network Rail carry out this vital work; but please do check before you travel, especially if you are a regular to the line.

“As well as helping to ensure the line is more reliable for all who use it, this investment in the railway also continues on the path towards achieving our long-held aspiration to provide additional services between Reading and Gatwick Airport.”

Further information about the work taking place can be found on our frequently updated webpage: North Downs Line signalling upgrade - Network Rail