Network Rail has announced the temporary closure of a rail line in Surrey to address an embankment landslip.
The line between Guildford and Effingham Junction will shut down on 21 December and remain closed for passenger services until 27 December to allow for urgent stabilisation work.
Ground Movement Detected
Remote sensors recently detected ground movement on the embankment, prompting safety concerns. While limited trains have been running at reduced speeds, Network Rail stated that immediate repairs are essential to restore normal operations.
Stabilisation and Repair Work
The repair project will involve installing:
50 sheet piles (8 metres or 26.2 feet long)
A 30-metre section of soil nails (steel rods)
These measures will stabilise and strengthen the embankment, ensuring long-term safety for rail services.
Network Rail’s Statement
Tom McNamee, Wessex Route Infrastructure Director at Network Rail, said:
“I’d like to apologise to any passengers whose journeys will be impacted while we complete these emergency repairs.
“The safety of our passengers and colleagues will always be our number one priority.
“I recognise some of this work may be noisy and disruptive to any local residents living nearby, whom I would like to apologise to in advance.”
Impact on Train Services
South Western Railway (SWR) services between London Waterloo and Guildford will be affected:
Reduced Services:
One service per hour to Effingham Junction via Cobham & Stoke D’Abernon
One service per hour to Effingham Junction via Epsom
Diversions: Trains to Guildford via Effingham Junction will be rerouted through Woking.
Rail Replacement Buses: Operating between Effingham Junction and Guildford, stopping at Clandon, Horsley, and London Road (Guildford).
Passengers are advised to check journey planners 24 hours in advance for the latest updates.
SWR Apologies for Disruption
A spokesperson for SWR said, “We are very sorry for the disruption that these emergency engineering works will cause, however, it is important that Network Rail engineers are able to access the embankment and carry out repair works as soon as possible.”
