Two half-term weeks of engineering works could be postponed by Network Rail following the shambolic introduction of new timetables on the Brighton mainline.
The works had been due to take place for nine days from Saturday, 20 October and nine days from Saturday, February 2019 – but Network Rail now says it wants to back these dates if possible following the “tough time” passengers have experienced since May’s timetable change.
The long closures between Three Bridges and both Brighton and Lewes are to give engineers the chance to repair tunnels and replace tracks, points and signals.
On Monday night, multiple signal failures on this stretch of track saw many commuters stuck on trains for up to three hours attempting to get home.
Meanwhile, this Sunday a day’s engineering work will close the line, with Victoria trains from Brighton diverted via Littlehampton, doubling the journey time.
Limited buses will be available, and passengers are advised to use alternative means of travel.
John Halsall, Network Rail route managing director, said: “I know many passengers have had a really tough time since the timetable change in May.
“That’s why I’ve asked for a review of all our planned maintenance and improvement work with GTR to see if there are any opportunities to postpone or re-plan engineering work to a later date. This includes the major improvement programme planned for this autumn on the Brighton Main Line.”
The work taking place on Sunday is an essential part of the £300m Government-funded programme to tackle delay hotspots and boost the reliability of the railway in the south east and lays the groundwork for a major programme of improvement work planned for the Brighton Main Line in autumn 2018 and early 2019.
Mr Halsall added: “The Brighton Main Line is one of the busiest and most congested routes in the country, but the simple truth is it’s nowhere near as reliable as passengers need and expect it to be.
“We know there’s never a good time to close the railway, but the work we’re carrying out this Sunday is a vital step towards a much-needed upgrade of the 1980s signalling system that will deliver a more reliable railway for passengers.”
Nick Brown, Chief Operating Officer for Govia Thameslink Railway, which runs Thameslink, Southern and Gatwick Express, said: “With fine weather forecast, we expect a lot of passengers will want to travel this Sunday but our message is seek alternative ways to get there if you can.
“We’re running as many trains and replacement buses as possible but they will be limited and we expect these to be very busy with queuing systems in place.
“If you’re heading to Brighton please use our diverted train services from London Victoria via Littlehampton but these will take considerably longer. Check National Rail Enquiries for revised times.”
