Press release -
Vehicle-bashed Brighton Main Line bridge set to have protection beams installed
Network Rail has also issued a version of this press release:
Network Rail is to fit special beams to a bridge carrying one of Britain’s busiest main line rail routes, to provide protection from lorries and other HGVs that crash into it.
The Brighton Road bridge near Coulsdon South station, which carries hundreds of thousands of passengers on the Brighton Main Line over the A23, has been hit many times by large vehicles too tall to fit underneath, causing major delays and disruption to train services.
To tackle this, Network Rail will install specially designed steel protection beams and support frames that absorb vehicle impacts and protect the structure.
Car park closures
To carry out the work safely, parts of Coulsdon South station car park will be closed on the following dates:
- Monday 1 September to Friday 17 October 2025: up to 14 standard parking spaces will be unavailable. The blue badge and electric vehicle charging spaces will remain available.
- Saturday 18 to Sunday 19 October 2025: the main car park will be closed while a crane is used to lift the protection beam into place.
There will be no access to the main car park and blue badge and electric vehicle charging spaces. Alternative blue badge spaces are available at the station building.
- Monday 20 to Friday 29 October 2025: up to 14 standard parking spaces will again be unavailable. The blue badge and electric vehicle charging spaces will remain available.
Road closures and station access
At times, traffic management will be in place on Brighton Road to support the work:
- Night-time road closures will run Monday to Friday, 21:00 to 05:30 from 08/09/2025 to 17/10/2025
- Full weekend road closures will be in place 24/7 during Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October.
Access to Coulsdon South station will be maintained throughout:
- During midweek road closures, passengers can still reach the station via a left turn before the closure point
- During weekend closures, access will be available from the south side of the station
Network Rail will work closely with local authorities, Southern Rail and its contractors to minimise disruption and ensure safe access for all motorists and pedestrians.
Lucy McCauliffe, Sussex Route Director, Network Rail, said: “We work hard to prevent bridge strikes across the railway by improving signage, educating drivers, and trialling new technology like over-height vehicle detection systems. But where strikes continue to happen, we also install protection beams like these to shield vital infrastructure. These works at Brighton Road will help reduce delays and improve the reliability of services for thousands of passengers each day.
“Thank you to the local community and car park users for their understanding while we carry out these important upgrades”.
Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director for Southern that manages Coulsdon South station, said: “This work is really important if we’re to reduce delays for the hundreds of thousands of people who use the Brighton Main Line.
“However, it will significantly reduce the number of spaces in our popular, busy station car park during much of September and October, so it’s important we tell people what’s happening as soon as possible.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
How the railway works to prevent bridge strikes
Bridge strikes are a serious issue that can cause delays, damage and disruption. In addition to installing protection beams, Network Rail works to prevent bridge strikes through a range of measures, including:
- Improved signs: clearer, more visible warnings for drivers approaching low bridges
- Technology trials: using over-height vehicle detection systems to alert drivers before they reach a bridge
- Driver education: awareness campaigns in partnership with the freight and haulage industry
- Collaboration with local authorities: coordinated traffic management and enforcement near vulnerable structures
- Rapid response protocols: quick inspections and repairs to minimise disruption when strikes do occur.
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For more information, contact the press office on 0203 750 2031.
Govia Thameslink Railway
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) operates Thameslink, Great Northern, Southern and Gatwick Express services as follows:
- Thameslink – cross-London services between Bedford/Peterborough/Cambridge and Brighton/Horsham/East Grinstead, and between Luton/St Albans and Sutton/Wimbledon/Rainham; plus services between London and Sevenoaks
- Great Northern – services between London and Welwyn, Hertford, Peterborough, Cambridge and King’s Lynn
- Southern – services between London and the Sussex coast (Brighton, Worthing, Eastbourne, Bognor Regis, Hastings) and parts of Surrey, Kent and Hampshire (Ashford International, Southampton, Portsmouth)
- Gatwick Express – fast, non-stop direct services between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria
www.southernrailway.com, www.thameslinkrailway.com, www.gatwickexpress.com, www.greatnorthernrail.com