Message from Greater Western Rail (GWR)

The train line between Guildford and Reigate will be closed for two weeks between Sunday 14 September and Saturday 27 September.

During this time, Network Rail engineers to install and commission 16 sets of signals – the railway’s traffic lights – between Shalford and Gomshall. This is an important upgrade as the new technology and kit means faults are less likely to occur, providing a safer and more reliable service to passengers, and boosting capacity for more trains to run between Guildford and Gatwick Airport in the future.

The changes will mean that between Sunday 14 September and Saturday 27 September there will be a bus replacement service in place of GWR services between Guildford and Redhill or Gatwick Airport.

On Sunday 14 September, GWR trains will run between Reading and Ash. Customers should change at North Camp for rail replacement services to/from Gatwick Airport. From Monday 15 to Saturday 27 September, GWR services will run between Reading and Guildford, with replacement buses running between Guildford and Gatwick Airport (non-stop) and Guildford and Reading (calling all stations). Replacement services will call at Dorking Main station instead of Dorking Deepdene.

Throughout this closure, Southern train services will still run between Redhill/Reigate and Gatwick Airport, as well as Thameslink and Gatwick Express service for the airport.

Online journey planners have been updated and we’ll also be making customers aware through at station and on board announcements, station posters, and traditional and social media. More information is available at www.gwr.com/upgrade.

While the line is closed engineers will also upgrade four level crossings - Chilworth, Tangley, Brook and Burrows Lane. Brook and Burrows Lane level crossings are being replaced by state-of-the-art level crossing technology to make them safer for both train and road users. The crossings will be fitted with radars to scan the crossing before trains approach, only lowering the barriers once all vehicles are clear. Meanwhile Chilworth and Tangley level crossings will be fitted with CCTV systems, which will be used by the signaller to safely operate the barriers. Full information on the works and related road closures are available at https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/wessex/north-downs-line-signalling-upgrade/.