Great Western Railway (GWR) services have resumed on the North Downs Line between Guildford and Gatwick Airport. This follows the completion of critical upgrades by Network Rail engineers to ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of the railway.
The primary focus during this closure was the installation of new wheel timbers on the railway bridge over the River Wey, south of Guildford. These new timbers, made from a synthetic alternative called Fibre-reinforced Foamed Urethane, are expected to last 30 years longer than the old wooden versions and require less maintenance.
Over the 16-day period, Network Rail’s team of engineers also completed a range of other vital upgrades including:
- Stabilising one of the cuttings in Gomshall, helping reduce the likelihood of disruption to train services as a result of a landslip
- Upgrades to the signalling (the railway’s traffic lights) in the area
- Replacing parts of the railway where there is jointed track with new long welded rail, removing the need for maintenance and repairs on the joints. This will also make passenger journeys quieter and smoother.
- All four crossings along this line have had new signalling installed and double lane barriers have replaced the existing single lane barriers. This will improve the safety of the railway as it reduces the chance of vehicles crossing the track when the barriers are down.
These works will improve the reliability of the North Downs Line, while the risk of speed restrictions or the line being closed for a significant time while emergency works are completed will be reduced.
Mark Goodall, Network Rail’s Wessex route director said: “I’d like to thank passengers for their patience while their journeys were disrupted as we completed these important upgrades on the North Downs Line.
“By replacing the wheel timbers on the railway bridge over the River Wey with a synthetic material it will mean fewer closures and disruption for passengers in the future due to their increased lifespan. The level crossing will benefit passengers, motorists and pedestrians as these make the railway safer.
“I appreciate these closures have been disruptive for passengers and also for motorists due to the road closures and we apologise for any inconvenience they have caused.”
Andy Gallaugher, GWR Station Manager for the North Downs line, said: “We’re grateful train services are running again between Guildford and Gatwick Airport.
“The rail improvement work that has been taking place forms part of an ongoing programme of investment, helping to ensure we can continue to provide consistent and reliable services.
“Customers should be aware buses also replace trains between Guildford and Redhill or Gatwick Airport for follow-up works happening this Sunday (23 Feb).”
Image and video credits: Network Rail
