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Wednesday 31 Mar 2021

REMINDER: Upgrade works continue this Easter weekend in Sussex as Gatwick Airport station is transformed

Region & Route:

Southern: Sussex

| Southern

Network Rail will use Sunday 4 and Monday 5 April over the Easter weekend to press on with the Gatwick Airport station redevelopment to make passengers’ future journeys from the train to the plane easier, while the station is open for travel.

Work on improving accessibility around the Gatwick Airport station will continue with track realignment and platform strengthening activity, which will allow wider platforms, more lifts, escalators and stairs to be installed.

Enabling works will also progress in preparation for the construction of a second, bigger railway concourse, creating a new entrance into the Airport. This will double the space for passengers and seamlessly connect the train station to Airport Terminals.

Gatwick Airport station will still be open and in line with Government guidance, passengers are urged to minimise travel over the Easter bank holiday. Those who do need to travel by rail over this period are urged to plan ahead and check whether their route is affected by the upgrade works taking place.

Shaun King, route director for Sussex said: “Network Rail will be working hard this Easter weekend to improve the railway in Sussex and provide better and more reliable services.

“Passengers have shown themselves to be incredibly understanding while we invest heavily to improve our railway and I’d like to thank them in advance for their support. I urge passengers to only travel if you have to and check your journey ahead of time."

Chris Fowler, Customer Services Director for Southern, said:

“We’ve been working closely with Network Rail to minimise the effect of this vital work on train services, and we join them in thanking our customers for their patience while these major improvements are under way. Services will be reduced, so if you have to travel over Easter, please check a journey planner and allow extra time. You can be confident that we’re keeping trains and stations clean - remember ‘hands-face-space’ – wash your hands, wear a face covering and keep your distance.”

Passengers can find out how their Easter journeys will be affected with their train operator, via National Rail Enquiries, or by following #EasterRailWorks on Twitter.