62 Modern Railways April 2019 http://www.modern-railways.com
T
he Brighton main line is an important
artery in the south of England’s
transport network. Not only are there
the traditional flows to London Victoria,
but the route is also a key element in the
expanded Thameslink network, feeding
trains into routes north of the Thames.With 20 trains per hour going through the central
London tunnels in the peaks, correct presentation
of trains from further afield is essential for smooth
operating. The Brighton main line, with its ageing
infrastructure, has been falling down on the job in
this regard – particularly the two-track section at the
southern end of the route. It is estimated that halfthe delays coming into Blackfriars from the south
have their origins in incidents south of Redhill.
The fragility of the infrastructure was recognised
in Chris Gibb’s 2017 report on the Southern network.
He told the Secretary of State: ‘The condition of
the infrastructure needs to be urgently raised.
This is not complicated stuff – it is about rail renewal,BRIGHTON MAIN
LINE UPGRADE
3B2B top of class for alternative transport strategy
Iconic structure: unit No 387218 at Clayton Tunnel
on 1 September 2018. Brickwork repairs were
undertaken during the blockade here. Jamie Squibbs062-065_MR_Apr 2019_brighton upgrade.indd 62 11/03/2019 17:25