Major Rail Closures Planned For Brighton Main Line Upgrade

Major engineering works to improve safety and reliability on one of the UK’s busiest rail routes are set to take place next year.

Network Rail has confirmed that lines between Three Bridges and Brighton and Lewes will be closed from 13 to 21 February 2027 as part of a wider investment programme.

The work will include maintenance of the historic Ouse Valley Viaduct, as well as structural improvements to a tunnel aimed at reducing the risk of flooding.

Additional upgrades during the closure will see new rails installed at Plumpton and Haywards Heath, stabilisation work to prevent landslips near Haywards Heath, and drainage repairs at Stone Hall Bridge.

Passengers are also being warned of further disruption in the Redhill area over the Christmas period and into the New Year.

During the February closure, replacement buses will operate across affected routes, while some trains between Brighton and London will be diverted via Littlehampton, leading to longer journey times.

Services operated by Southern Rail, Gatwick Express and Thameslink will all be impacted.

The work is being scheduled during the February half-term, when passenger numbers are typically lower.

Network Rail says completing the project in one block will help reduce the need for repeated weekend closures in the future.