A major landslip at Ockley has blocked the railway line between Horsham and Dorking, leaving thousands of commuters facing disruption until at least Monday, February 16th.
The landslip has damaged the trackbed and surrounding embankments, with Network Rail engineers now on site assessing the full extent of the damage. The complexity of repairs needed to ensure long-term safety means the line will remain closed for several days.
Passengers are urged to check with their rail operator before travelling, as bus replacement services are expected to be put in place. These alternative services may face delays due to increased demand and local road conditions, so travellers should allow extra time for journeys.
Network Rail has acknowledged the significant inconvenience for regular commuters on this route and promised to restore normal services as quickly and safely as possible. Updates on repair progress and any changes to the reopening date will be shared through official channels, including the company's website and social media.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges extreme weather and geological instability pose to Britain's transport network. Railway landslips require extensive engineering work to stabilise ground and repair tracks, often in difficult-to-reach locations.