Work continues to improve level-crossing safety in Horsham this August bank holiday weekend

Network Rail have issued the following press release about level crossing and track improvements on the Arun Valley line:

Network Rail engineers have successfully completed upgrades to Littlehaven level crossing and now have the bank holiday weekend to complete final stages of work at Parsonage Road level crossing in Horsham while the railway is less busy.

People travelling through Horsham are being reminded to plan ahead and leave more time for their journeys as Parsonage Road level crossing continues to remain closed while essential work is carried out to upgrade the barrier from half to a full barrier and install CCTV, making it safer for pedestrians, as well as deter people from misusing level crossings.

Alongside the level crossing upgrades taking place over the bank holiday weekend from Saturday 27 to Monday 29 August, work started this weekend (Saturday 20) to replace one kilometre of track at Faygate. This will continue on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 August, which means that no trains can run via Horsham and replacement bus services will be put in place.

A minibus service will continue being in operation to help pedestrians get from one side of the crossing to the other, with full details below.

Katie Frost, Network Rail’s Sussex route director, said: “We’d like to thank local residents and motorists for their patience whilst we carry out the final stages of work to Parsonage Road level crossing.

“We’re very close to the final days and we’re looking forward to being able to put the level crossing back in use with the upgraded safety features.

“We’d like to remind those needing to travel to please plan ahead whether travelling by car or rail replacement bus service.”

Chris Fowler, Southern's customer services director, said: “These essential improvements are making the railway safer and more reliable for the local community and all our customers using this important route.

"Network Rail have worked closely with us to keep inconvenience to a minimum and, as always, we thank everyone for their patience and understanding.”

The work at Littlehaven level crossing was successfully completed on Monday (22 August) and means that both crossings located on Rusper Road will now be controlled from the state-of-the-art Three Bridges Signalling Centre which will improve the overall safety as the old, life expired equipment that is prone to failure and needs more maintenance, will be upgraded to make it more efficient with a 25-year life span.

Travel advice:

Parsonage Road level crossing:

Friday 19 (11pm) until Monday 29 August (6am), no vehicles can pass at the level crossing. Motorists will be diverted via Hurst Road, Station Road and Harwood Road during this time.

No pedestrians can pass at the level crossing. At this stage, two minibuses will be provided (one either side of the crossing) along with pedestrian marshals.

Monday 22 (4.30am) until Tuesday 30 August (6am), motorists will be diverted via North Heath Lane and Littlehaven level crossing.

Monday 22 (4.30am) until Tuesday 30 August (6am), motorists will be diverted via North Heath Lane and Littlehaven level crossing.