Emergency works to repair a landslip in Ockley means buses replace trains between Dorking and Horsham from Monday 26 January until at least Friday 30 January

Network Rail has issued the following press release:

• Emergency work to repair a landslip in Ockley means buses will replace trains between Dorking and Horsham from Monday 26 January until at least Friday 30 January

Engineers will carry out emergency work near Ockley from Monday 26 to at least Friday 30 January to stabilise the railway following a landslip.

To allow these repairs to take place safely, buses will replace trains between Dorking and Horsham throughout the week.

Passengers are advised to check before travelling and allow extra time for their journeys.

On Friday afternoon, movement was seen in the ground beneath the track and the line heading south from Dorking to Horsham immediately closed, with a shuttle service introduced between the stations on the remaining open line. Following further inspections, engineers have created a plan to bring the line back into service, though this will require the closure of both lines.

Speaking on behalf of Network Rail, Lucy McAuliffe, Route Director, said: “We’re really sorry for the disruption this week and the short notice of this closure. We know closing the line between Dorking and Horsham is going to be frustrating for passengers, and it’s certainly not a decision we’ve taken lightly.

“Safety for passengers and railway staff has to come first, and we need to act quickly to make sure that the condition of the embankment does not deteriorate further.

“Thank you for your patience while we carry out these essential repairs – we’re do everything we can to get the railway back open as soon as possible.”

A Southern spokesperson said: “The landslip in the Ockley area will unfortunately mean there will be no train service between Horsham and Dorking until at least Friday 30 January. We are really sorry for the inconvenience this will cause to customers. A replacement bus service will operate between Dorking, Warnham, Holmwood, and Horsham, in both directions.

"Network Rail’s engineers are working hard to resolve the issue and we will continue to work closely with them. We advise customers to check the Southern website for the latest travel advice, including ticket acceptance on other services, to help them plan their journeys.”

ENDS

For journalist enquiries please contact Luis Moya at luis.moya@networkrail.co.uk.