Network Rail Update: North Downs Line commissioning dates announced

In September, Network Rail engineers will complete the resignalling work on the North Downs Line. The line between Guildford and Gatwick station will be closed from Sunday 14 to Saturday 27 September to commission the 16 new signals and level crossing equipment. This will involve bringing the new equipment online and thoroughly testing the new system.

Teams have been upgrading four level crossings on the line between Shalford and Gomshall stations, which includes Chilworth, Tangley, Brook and Burrows Lane level crossing. 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 that will scan the crossing before a train approaches, only lowering the barriers once all vehicles are clear. Meanwhile Chilworth and Tangley level crossings will be fitted with CCTV systems and be monitored by a signaller, who will observe the crossings, lowering the barriers when safe to do so. All four level crossings will also have new signalling installed which will be controlled by the Guildford Area Signalling Centre.

There is a dedicated webpage at https://www.networkrail.co.uk/NorthDownsLine which will be regularly updated. Residents will be written to in advance of the dates with information about the associated road closures and a table with the key dates can be found below. Network Rail will also be hosting drop-in sessions to allow members of the community to meet the project team and ask any questions they may have.