3B2B top of class for alternative transport strategy
The 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 half the 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, switch & crossing (S&C) renewal, sleeper renewal, ballast renewal / removal of wet beds, drainage improvements, telecoms / signalling cable renewal, axle counter…
