Work to repair landslip to start on Sunday

Work to repair a "significant" landslip between Three Bridges and Gatwick Airport will begin on Sunday evening, Network Rail has said.

The landslip on the Brighton Main Line first occurred on Monday at Tinsley Green after heavy rainfall.

Network Rail said that while repairs take place, one of the four lines in the area will need to close, meaning there will be changes to services.

The first phase of work will allow for the installation of six metre-long steel piles, which will be done at track level.

Engineers will install a steel beam to the back of the sheet pile wall, attaching anchors into the ground beneath the track.

The second phase of work will be carried out from the bottom of the embankment. The slope of the embankment will need to be rebuilt with new material added to the earthworks.

Network Rail said it was expected that this part of the work will be less disruptive to trains.

Local residents and businesses have been warned of the potential for increased noise levels.

People are being invited to ask questions on Sunday morning, between 10:00 GMT and 12:00 at the Network Rail office at Cover House on Hazelwick Avenue.

Network Rail's Sussex route director, Lucy McAuliffe said: "Repairing this landslip now will stop it getting worse.

"It is a challenging site to work on, and we are very mindful of our neighbours. But by doing this work as safely and as efficiently as possible, we can get the railway fully reopened as soon as we can".

Passengers are being advised to check before they travel with their rail operator or on Network Rail's journey planner.

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