North Downs Line to Close for 13 Days for Major Upgrades

The North Downs Line will close for 13 days in September to allow major signal upgrades and level crossing modernization along the route between Guildford and Gatwick Airport. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

North Downs Line Closure Enables Signal Modernization

From Sunday, September 14, to Sunday, September 27, Great Western Railway (GWR) will halt all services on the North Downs Line. Bus replacements will serve affected passengers during the closure period.

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Network Rail plans to upgrade 16 signals between Shalford and Gomshall. These improvements aim to reduce failures and improve operational safety. Enhanced signaling will support more reliable services in the future.

In addition to signal upgrades, four level crossings—Brook, Burrows Lane, Chilworth, and Tangley—will undergo critical enhancements. Brook and Burrows Lane will be equipped with radar-based systems that detect vehicles before trains approach. This ensures the barriers lower only when crossings are clear.

Meanwhile, CCTV systems will be installed at Chilworth and Tangley. Signallers will monitor footage to operate barriers remotely and more safely. All upgrades will link back to the Guildford Area Signalling Centre for centralized coordination.

North Downs Line Improvements Support Future Expansion

Road closures will accompany construction at each level crossing, but authorities say disruptions will be minimal and well-signposted. Network Rail stresses that these works form part of a long-term strategy to enhance infrastructure resilience.

Andy Gallaugher, a GWR representative, emphasized the broader impact. “This investment supports our goal to increase connections to Gatwick Airport and provide a more dependable experience for our passengers.”

Earlier in 2025, a 16-day closure allowed for landslip prevention and drainage work on the same line. The current upgrades build on that progress to modernize the rail corridor further.

Trains operated by Southern and Thameslink between London, Reigate, Redhill, and Gatwick Airport will continue to run without interruption.

Source, photo: www.bbc.com

FAQ

What is the North Downs Line?

The North Downs Line is a railway connecting Guildford and Gatwick Airport, providing regional links in southern England.

Can I still travel to Gatwick Airport during the closure?

Yes, Southern and Thameslink services to Gatwick Airport will operate as usual despite the closure of the North Downs Line.

How will the signal upgrades improve reliability?

Upgraded signals will reduce the chance of faults and allow trains to operate more safely and consistently. Learn more at Network Rail.

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