Landslip Chaos: Railway Track Suspended Mid-Air for Weeks
Recent landslips have caused significant disruption to railway services in Surrey, particularly affecting the line between Horsham and Dorking. The slip occurred on an embankment south of Ockley station, rendering the tracks impassable for an extended period.
Landslip Impact Overview
Passengers should anticipate ongoing service disruptions until mid-February. Southern Rail has advised travelers to check service updates regularly due to major changes in train schedules.
Current Conditions
- Train service suspended between Horsham and Dorking.
- Rail replacement buses in operation until repairs are completed.
- Alternative transport options are available through local bus operators.
Official Statements
Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail’s Sussex route director, acknowledged the scale of the landslip, which has already affected many commuters. Engineers are working diligently to stabilize the embankment and restore the railway.
“We’ll keep everyone informed and work around the clock to reopen the railway safely,” McAuliffe stated.
Causal Factors
The landslip, which occurred along a nine-meter section of the embankment, was prompted by days of heavy rainfall and saturated soils. This type of failure, described as ‘rotational failure’, caused the soil to give way beneath the tracks.
Repair Plans
To repair the damage, Network Rail has finalized a design that includes the installation of approximately 47 steel piles to reinforce the embankment.
Customer Information
The suspension of services is expected to continue until Monday, February 16. The following stations will be affected:
- Ockley
- Warnham
- Holmwood
Despite the disruptions, an hourly train service will operate between Dorking and London Victoria. Passengers traveling between Horsham and Dorking should prepare for additional travel times of 30-40 minutes, as replacement bus services are in use.
Notably, customers can also use their tickets on Metrobus route 93 without extra charges. However, replacement buses will not serve Ockley due to road closures, and alternative arrangements must be made through station staff.
Parking Arrangements
Parking easements are available for those with tickets at Warnham, Ockley, or Holmwood, allowing use of facilities at Horsham, Crawley, and Three Bridges stations, although availability may be limited.
As the situation develops, Southern Rail continues to work closely with Network Rail to keep passengers informed and minimize the impact of the landslip chaos.
