UK’s Network Rail has completed engineering work on the Brighton Main Line to increase the reliability of regular train services.
With an average of 300,000 passengers on a weekday, the line was reopened following a nine-day closure period with the completion of upgrade works.
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To carry out the rehabilitation work, more than 250 engineers were deployed at 26 sites on the rail section between Brighton and Three Bridges over a nine-day period. The modernisation works are part of a £67m improvement programme.
Network Rail South East managing director John Halsall said: “It will be worth it in the long run as we’ve been able to complete major work to the ageing infrastructure, which has caused so many delays in the past, as well as repairs in the Victorian-era tunnels which were prone to flooding.
“All of this means we can provide a more reliable service that passengers deserve and can depend on.”
The scope of the works included track, signalling and drainage works.
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By GlobalDataNetwork Rail, along with the rail operator Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), carried out improvement works at the stations along the route.
It included platform improvements, repainting and overhauling footbridges in Balcombe, Haywards Heath, Wivelsfield, Hassocks, Preston Park, Plumpton and Cooksbridge stations.
GTR infrastructure director Keith Jipps said: “The amount of work that has been carried out whilst the line was blocked has been massive and we will see the benefits by providing better punctuality and reliable services for our passengers.”
Network Rail will complete the final stages of the improvement works, which will be completed over five weekends between March and May.
