Gatwick to Guildford rail line to close for 13 days in September

A railway line between Surrey and Gatwick Airport will be closed for 13 days in September to allow signals along the route to be upgraded, Network Rail has confirmed.

From Sunday 14 September to Sunday 27 September no trains will run on the North Downs Line, between Guildford and the West Sussex airport.

Buses will replace the trains, usually operated by Great Western Railway (GWR), throughout the entire closure.

During this time, Network Rail has said that 16 signals will be upgraded on the line, between Shalford and Gomshall. The rail body said that by upgrading the signals – the railway’s traffic lights – fewer faults would occur and services would be more reliable and safer.

Whilst no trains are running, Network Rail said it would use the opportunity to upgrade the level crossings at Chilworth, Tangley, Brook and Burrows Lane.

Brook and Burrows Lane level crossings are being replaced by state-of-the-art level crossing technology to make them safer for both train and road users.

The crossings will be fitted with radars to scan the crossing before trains approach, only lowering the barriers once all vehicles are clear.

Meanwhile Chilworth and Tangley level crossings will be fitted with CCTV systems, which will be used by the signaller to safely operate the barriers.

All four crossings will have new signalling installed and will feed back to Guildford Area Signalling Centre.

So this work can take place, some local road closures near each level crossing will be in place, Network Rail confirmed.

Andy Gallaugher, from GWR, said: “We would like to thank customers in advance for their patience while Network Rail carry out this vital work.

“As well as helping to ensure the line is more reliable for all who use it, this investment in the railway also continues on the path towards achieving our long-held aspiration to provide additional services to and from Gatwick Airport.”

The line also closed for 16 days in early 2025 for upgrades to the line, including landslip prevention work.

Southern and Thameslink trains to and from London, Reigate, Redhill and Gatwick Airport are not affected by these works and will continue to operate.