Rail passengers in Sussex passengers are now seeing the benefits of a significant upgrade after Network Rail finished replacing the signalling system from Lewes to Seaford.

This week also saw the final closure of the line between Barham and Havant. A massive project of track replacement has been underway since late October.

Three Bridges Rail Operating Centre now operates the signalling at Lewes

Highlights of the engineering work completed include:

• Resignalling of the whole area involved the closure of signal boxes at Lewes, Newhaven Town and Newhaven Harbour and the removal of 18A points which were replaced with 40m of plain line track
• Station improvements included platform and canopy repairs, repainting, deep-cleaning and general maintenance at Seaford, Bishopstone, Newhaven Town, Southease and Glynde.

What did the officials say?

John Halsall, managing director for Network Rail Southern Region, said:

“I’d like to say thank you to the passengers who have been disrupted by this crucial work, which was needed to modernise the signalling system.

“I am extremely grateful that so many changed their plans for the four days to enable us to concentrate the work in this way. The alternative would have meant many more weekend closures for our engineers to achieve the same thing, so this has been much more effective for them as well as for us.

“The work means we can provide a more reliable service that passengers deserve and can depend on.”

Steve White, Chief Operating Officer, Govia Thameslink Railway, said:

“We’re pleased to welcome back passengers on the Lewes to Seaford line and I apologise to anyone that has been inconvenienced during these essential works. I am grateful for their patience throughout this project.

“Colleagues from Network Rail, Southern, and our suppliers have been a credit to the rail industry completing a significant amount of work whilst the line was closed. Customers will now benefit for years to come as ageing assets have been replaced with a modern alternative.”

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