Essential work on the Brighton Main Line

We are undertaking essential work on the Brighton Main Line

Project timeline

Essential engineering works will take place over weekends in 2026 and in February 2027, major improvement works will take place between Three Bridges and Brighton/Lewes.

Taking the opportunity to do as much as maintenance work as possible during the winter months means we can protect the main trunk of the Brighton Main Line during the peak tourism season.

When is the work taking place?

We are carrying out essential engineering work on: 

• Sunday 29 November 2026

On this weekend, the Brighton Main Line will be closed between Brighton / Lewes / Hove and Three Bridges. 

On Sunday 10 January 2027, no trains will run between Gatwick Airport and Purley / East Croydon.

More details on the train service alterations and replacement bus services will be shared closer to the time.

We will also undertake a nine-day closure over half-term in February 2027.

From Saturday 13 through to Sunday 21 February, no trains will run between Three Bridges and Lewes / Brighton.

This is to allow us to carry out a number of very significant and large pieces of engineering work which cannot be done over regular weekend closures. This major programme of work has been timed to take place over the half-term holidays for most schools, when fewer people travel.

We will provide more information about the impacts of this engineering work on your journeys, including details of the replacement bus and diverted train services that will be running over the nine-days, soon.

What work is taking place?

We’re carrying out essential improvements to enhance reliability and safety across the network. The work includes track renewal, earthworks, drainage repairs, bridge maintenance and improved access points.

On Sunday 29 November 2026 we will be undertaking track maintenance and work on the line’s structures.

From Saturday 13 to Sunday 21 February, we will carry out a number of very significant and large pieces of engineering work which cannot be done over regular weekend closures.

Key improvements include:

• Track renewal: New rails at Plumpton and Preston Park plus renewed track and switches and crossings at Keymer Junction near Wivelsfield to help cut delays and boost performance.
• Earthworks: Strengthening and stabilisation works at Haywards Heath cutting and the Balcombe Stamford rock cutting to reduce the risk of landslips and rock falls.
• Tunnels: Structural works at Balcombe Tunnel to ensure continued safe operation and install of new rails through the Clayton Tunnel.
• Electrical: New conductor rail between the Clayton Tunnel and Preston Park. The conductor rail, also known as the third rail, allows us to supply power to the trains.
• Level crossings: new signalling and renewal of the level crossings at Spatham Lane near Westmeston and at Hamsey in East Sussex.

This major programme of work has been timed to take place over the half-term holidays for most schools, when fewer people travel.

How will this work affect me?

Sunday 29 November 2026

On these dates, no trains will run between:

• Brighton and Three Bridges
• Hove and Three Bridges (via Haywards Heath)
• Lewes and Three Bridges

Replacement buses will run between:

• Three Bridges and Preston Park calling at all stations
• Three Bridges and Lewes calling at Haywards Heath and Cooksbridge
• Balcombe and Brighton calling at all stations
• Haywards Heath and Plumpton and between Plumpton and Lewes
• (And only at the start and end of the day when direct trains via Littlehampton are not running) Three Bridges and Brighton

A diverted Southern train service will run between Brighton and London Victoria calling at Hove, Shoreham-by-Sea, Worthing, Angmering, Littlehampton, Horsham, Three Bridges, Gatwick Airport, East Croydon, Clapham Junction.

If you are travelling between the Brighton area and London, you are strongly advised to use this train service rather than the limited replacement bus service. 

Journey times will be extended so please plan your journey carefully and allow extra time.

For the nine-day closure over half-term in February 2027 from Saturday 13 to Sunday 21 February, no trains will run between Three Bridges and Lewes / Brighton.

We will provide more information about the impacts on your journeys, including details of the replacement bus and diverted train services that will be running over the nine-days, soon.

Check before you travel

Please visit the Southern Railway website for the latest travel advice.

Why is the work needed? 

The busy Brighton Main Line is among the most complex and congested routes in the country, with some of the most intensively used infrastructure in the country.

We know closing the railway at any time of the year causes inconvenience, but with the Brighton Main Line being a key route for the leisure and tourism industry on the south coast, we only work in the summer months when we have no alternative. That means that every winter, we have a series of vital maintenance closures on sections of the Brighton Main Line.

Contact us

If you have any questions, please visit our contact us page or telephone our 24-Hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41.