A MAJOR UK train line is set to shut this weekend, sparking chaos for thousands of holidaymakers and sunseekers heading to one of the country’s top resorts.
It comes as hot weather sweeps the country and Brits battle for space on packed beaches.
The disruption comes as temperatures on the South Coast are expected to hit 28C in Brighton on SundayDavid McHugh / Brighton Pictures
Network Rail has warned tourists and Goodwood motorsport fans travelling between Brighton and London that they will face severe disruption on Sunday due to urgent repair works.
Train bosses say there will be no services between Gatwick Airport and East Croydon, and some parts of Surrey.
This is due to the need to repair switches and crossings near Purley and Coulsdon.
Replacement buses
Rail replacement buses will run from East Grinstead to Gatwick Airport and Three Bridges, while trains direct from London Victoria to Gatwick Airport will still run but will take “considerably longer” than usual.
Lucy McAuliffe, Sussex route director for Network Rail, apologised for the disruption and said the works were “essential to keep services running safely and reliably”.
Replacement buses will also run between East Croydon, Redhill and Tattenham Corner and between Redhill and Tonbridge, a spokesperson for rail operator Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) said.
The disruption comes as temperatures on the South Coast are expected to hit 28C in Brighton on Sunday.
In June, Gatwick-bound passengers said they faced “nightmare” travel after trains were forced to be evacuated when temperatures soared above 30C (86F) in South London.
Jenny Saunders, customer service director for GTR, said: “I know that these works will be very disruptive for our passengers, and I am very sorry for any plans which may have to change as a result of this.
“It’s important that our colleagues at Network Rail replace these points as soon as possible.
“Hundreds of our services cross this section of track each day – and it is vital to have reliable infrastructure which is less susceptible to closures at the last minute.”
Heading to Brighton or Gatwick Airport this weekend? Here’s what you need to know …
With the main line blocked between London and the south coast, via Gatwick, passengers intending to travel on 13 July should plan ahead and allow significantly more time to travel – especially to Gatwick Airport.
Here is the latest advice from Network Rail:
Customers travelling between London and Gatwick Airport should use Southern trains between London Victoria and East Grinstead for frequent bus services between East Grinstead and Gatwick Airport / Three Bridges.
Customers travelling between London and the South Coast should use train services to/from East Grinstead, where replacement bus services will be running to/from Three Bridges for onward journeys.
Direct Southern trains will also run between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport, via an alternative route. Please note, this will take considerably longer than the usual service between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport
Replacement buses will run between East Croydon and Redhill /Tattenham Corner and between Redhill and Tonbridge.
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