The railway line between Haywards Heath and Lewes will reopen on Tuesday, 1 September, rail bosses announced today.
A train derailed at Lewes on Thursday, 13 August, seriously injuring two people. The line has been closed since so the train can be moved and the full extent of the damage to the track and embankment estblished.
This will enable engineers to safely repair the railway, including replacing track and reinstating signalling systems.
This recovery effort has involved the creation of temporary foundations and platforms for the heavy machinery and specialist Kirow cranes to allow this work to take place.
Before the railway reopens, engineers will complete a rigorous programme of testing and inspections to ensure the infrastructure is safe and reliable for passengers.
Lucy McAuliffe, Sussex Route Director for Network Rail said: “My thoughts and those of our teams continue to be with those who were injured, their families and friends and with all those who have been affected by this incident.
“I can only apologise for the disruption that this incident is causing to people’s journeys, and I want to personally thank people for their patience and their understanding alongside the many rail industry colleagues supporting the recovery.
“The location of the derailment, which happened in close proximity to the River Ouse, means that reinstatement of the site is particularly complex, with teams working round the clock to reopen the line for customers as soon and as safely as possible.
“The recovery is being carried out with careful consideration for the area around the derailment site, ensuring the area’s ecology is protected and being mindful of residents living nearby.”
John Whitehurst, Chief Executive Officer of Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR), which operates Southern Railway, said: “This incident has been incredibly hard for everyone and I can only imagine how difficult it must be for those directly involved, along with their friends and family.
“The aftermath is also having a real impact on our customers’ lives through longer, more difficult journeys, which is why we’ve been doing our level best to keep people moving through alternative transport and additional staff at stations.
“Getting the line open in time for the end of the school holidays is an absolute priority for us, and we are working closely with Network Rail to achieve this despite very challenging circumstances.
“I would like to pay tribute to not only the work and efforts of everyone involved in the response, but also to the community for their patience and ongoing assistance as we work together to recover the railway safely.”
