An important project to protect the future of the railway from Oxted, in Surrey, to Uckfield and East Grinstead, in Sussex, is racing ahead.

Engineers are working above the streets of Oxted to refurbish the railway viaduct that carries the track across the valley of the River Eden and the A25.

The railway has been closed for three weekends in June and July to allow work to be completed. However, the majority of the work will not affect passengers and will continue until at least February next year.

As well as all the viaduct steelwork being grit-blasted and repainted, engineers from BAM Nuttall have been repairing brickwork and replacing bearings that support the weight of the bridge span.

Paul Harwood, regional investment director for Network Rail, said: “Thanks to everyone who has had their weekend travel affected over the past few weeks. Our viaduct in Oxted is more than 100 years old and like any structure of that age, needs maintenance and servicing to keep it safe. Overhauling the viaduct is essential to ensuring we maintain a good level of service for passengers who use this route.”

Chris Fowler, Customer Services Director for Southern, said: “On behalf of our customers, we welcome Network Rail’s major investment to maintain safe travel across this local landmark long into the future. We thank everyone who has been affected by these weekend closures for their patience.”

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