Major engineering work taking place that will close the Brighton Main Line between Three Bridges and Brighton or Lewes for nine-days in Februarynext year has been announced.
The closure means that from Saturday 13 through to Sunday 22 February 2027 (which is half-term for most schools) no trains will run between Three Bridges and Brighton via Haywards Heath, between Three Bridges and Lewes via Haywards Heath and Three Bridges and Hove via Haywards Heath.
The work forms part of a significant investment to improve the reliability of this vital route, which is among the most complex and intensively used in the country.
Network Rail engineers will complete a concentrated programme of track renewals, strengthening of earthworks, drainage repairs, bridge maintenance and tunnel improvements, that either need longer time to complete than an ordinary weekend closure would allow, or would otherwise require a large number of weekend closures. Some of the key improvements include:
• Track renewal: New rails at Plumpton and Haywards Heath, plus renewed track and switches & crossings at Preston Park. Additional improvements at Keymer Junction near Wivelsfield will help cut delays and boost performance.
• Earthworks: Strengthening and stabilisation works at Haywards Heath cutting and the Balcombe rock cutting to reduce the risk of landslips and rock falls.
• Drainage: Repairs to drainage systems to protect the track and improve water management.
• Bridges: Essential maintenance on the historic Ouse Valley Viaduct to preserve the structure for the long term.
• Tunnels: Structural works at Balcombe Tunnel to ensure continued safe operation.
While the full details of the alternative transport strategy are still in development at this very early stage, we can confirm that during the nine-day closure, trains will start and terminate at Three Bridges with rail replacement buses running between Three Bridges and Brighton/Lewes. Buses will also serve all the intermediate stations.
A diverted Southern train will also run a direct service between London Victoria and Brighton, but it will be diverted via the Arun Valley and Littlehampton, extending journey times.
Information about these dates has also been added to the Brighton Main Line closures pages on the Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink websites.