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Major Rail Disruption on Brighton Main Line: Buses Replace Trains Between London, Gatwick Airport, and South Coast, all you need to know

Planned rail disruption on Sunday 13 July affects travel between London, Gatwick Airport, and Brighton. Buses replace trains due to urgent engineering works.

Rail passengers are being urged to plan ahead for major travel disruption on Sunday 13 July 2025, as vital emergency engineering works will close all four tracks on the Brighton Main Line north of Gatwick Airport. The closure will impact services between London, Gatwick Airport, and coastal destinations such as Brighton, affecting thousands of travelers including airport-bound passengers and weekend commuters.

Network Rail confirmed that urgent repairs are scheduled at Stoats Nest Junction — a key section of track between Purley and Coulsdon South. The works involve the replacement of critical switches and crossings, infrastructure that allows trains to safely change tracks. The closure means Southern, Thameslink, and Gatwick Express services will be suspended or diverted, with rail replacement buses running on several routes throughout the day.

Engineering Works at Stoats Nest Junction

According to Network Rail, the decision to carry out the engineering work on 13 July follows a recent deterioration in key junction components. “If we don’t do the work now, there’s a risk we’d have to bring in speed restrictions or even close the line at short notice, which would mean even bigger delays to passenger and freight services,” said Lucy McAuliffe, Route Director for Sussex at Network Rail.

The repair at Stoats Nest Junction is part of the broader Croydon Area Remodelling Scheme (CARS), a multi-year upgrade project designed to boost rail capacity, improve reliability, and reduce bottlenecks on one of the busiest routes in southern England.

Travel Advice for 13 July: Replacement Services in Place

Rail operators Southern, Thameslink, and Gatwick Express have published revised schedules and detailed replacement transport plans to help passengers navigate the disruption:

  • London to Gatwick Airport: Southern services will operate between London Victoria and East Grinstead. From East Grinstead, replacement buses will run to Gatwick Airport and Three Bridges.
  • London to Brighton and South Coast: Trains will operate to/from East Grinstead with onward bus connections to Three Bridges, where passengers can resume southbound rail travel.
  • Gatwick Airport Direct Services: A limited number of Southern trains will operate directly between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport using an alternative, longer route.
  • East Croydon to Redhill/Tattenham Corner: Replacement buses will operate between these local stations throughout the day.
  • Redhill to Tonbridge: A full rail replacement bus service will also be in place.

Passengers are advised to allow significantly more time for journeys, expect busier than usual services, and be prepared for queueing systems at key interchange points. Travel apps and rail operator websites will offer real-time updates and revised journey planners.

Impact on Gatwick Airport Travellers

Travellers using Gatwick Airport are being particularly urged to leave additional time for airport check-in and security procedures. Both international and domestic flight passengers may face longer travel times to the airport due to the bus segments and extended rail detours.

Gatwick Airport has issued a statement recommending passengers take note of the engineering works and make travel arrangements in advance. “We advise all travellers to use the National Rail Enquiries website or contact their rail provider directly for the latest journey information.”

Why the Work Matters: Long-Term Network Improvements

The engineering work at Stoats Nest Junction forms a crucial component of long-term improvements along the Brighton Main Line. The CARS programme, supported by the Department for Transport, aims to future-proof the rail corridor against increased passenger and freight traffic through the 2030s and beyond.

By remodeling track layouts, upgrading junctions, and installing more resilient signalling infrastructure, Network Rail aims to cut delays and increase the number of trains that can operate during peak periods. The improvements are particularly vital for commuters travelling from Sussex and Surrey into London, as well as for international connectivity through Gatwick Airport.

Recommendations for Rail Passengers

To minimise inconvenience during the works, passengers are strongly encouraged to:

  • Check Before You Travel: Review National Rail or operator websites (Southern, Thameslink, Gatwick Express) for up-to-date journey planners.
  • Allow Extra Time: Expect extended travel durations and possible delays during interchange between train and replacement bus services.
  • Consider Alternative Routes: If flexible, travel at off-peak times or consider alternative rail routes through London or coastal lines.
  • Stay Updated: Follow live travel updates on Twitter and National Rail alerts to stay informed of any last-minute changes.

Conclusion

While the planned rail disruption on Sunday 13 July will cause inconvenience to passengers, it represents a vital investment in the safety and reliability of the UK’s transport infrastructure. By carrying out the works in a single day during summer, Network Rail aims to minimize long-term disruption and ensure the Brighton Main Line remains fit for future demands.

For passengers, especially those catching flights from Gatwick Airport, the key message is clear: plan ahead, leave extra time, and stay informed throughout the journey.

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