Brighton Main Line works to shut rail line in February 2027

Brighton Main Line engineering works are planned on one of the UK’s busiest rail corridors. Next year, the lines between Three Bridges and Brighton/Lewes will close. The closure will run from 13 to 21 February. The work is aimed at improving safety and reliability.

Brighton Main Line engineering works and February closure

The programme is part of a significant investment. It includes maintenance on the historic Ouse Valley viaduct. Also, a tunnel will undergo structural work to prevent flooding, as BBC News reported.

The Brighton Main Line has already seen weekend closures in early 2026. Those possessions were used to install new rails at Purley. Wheel timbers were also installed near the Brighton Road bridge at Coulsdon South. In addition, crews carried out earthworks near Merstham to help prevent future landslips.

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Network Rail said the closure should reduce the need for weekend shutdowns later on. It added that the work is scheduled for the February half-term in 2027. Fewer people use the railway then. Meanwhile, some passengers may also be able to work more flexibly. That is why this period was chosen for the closure.

Works at Plumpton, Haywards Heath and Stone Hall Bridge

During the February shutdown, crews are due to install new rails. The work will take place at Plumpton and Haywards Heath. They are also due to carry out slope stabilisation near Haywards Heath to prevent landslips. In addition, drainage systems at Stone Hall Bridge are due to be repaired.

Replacement buses will operate on all routes during the closure. Still, Southern Railway said direct services between Brighton and London will continue via Littlehampton. The alternative route will extend journey times.

Redhill engineering works and passenger advice

Separately, passengers have also been warned about major engineering work in the Redhill area. That work is planned for Christmas and into the New Year.

Network Rail said journey planners for both closures will be updated nearer the time. It said the works were announced early to give travellers as much notice as possible.

Jenny Saunders, customer service director for Southern, Gatwick Express and Thameslink, said: “This major work next year is crucial to keeping services reliable for our Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink customers.

“Trains will be diverted and buses will replace services on affected routes for nine days, so we’re asking passengers to save the dates in their diaries.”

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