Network Rail has completed a programme of emergency embankment repairs on the Brighton Main Line following a landslip near Three Bridges earlier this year.
The landslip, discovered in late January between Three Bridges and Gatwick Airport, threatened a major disruption on one of the South’s busiest railway routes. In response, engineers acted swiftly to build a 30-metre sheet pile wall, which allowed all train lines to reopen quickly while further stabilisation work continued.
To secure the embankment for the long term, the team reshaped the slope to reduce the risk of further movement and backfilled the area with thousands of tonnes of stone. The location of the slip, close to an allotment and the Gatwick stream, meant that work had to be carefully planned to protect local wildlife. Daily checks for protected species such as dormice and newts were carried out throughout the project.
As a gesture of goodwill to the local community, Network Rail staff installed dormice and bird boxes, reinstated vegetable beds at the neighbouring allotment, and donated unused hay bales to a local donkey sanctuary.
Lucy McAuliffe, Sussex Route Director for Network Rail, said:
“A landslip on the Brighton Main Line near Three Bridges had the potential to cause major disruption to passengers and freight customers.
“Colleagues worked tirelessly to stop the landslip and keep trains safely moving. Thanks to their efforts, there was minimal disruption to train services, and this critical section of railway has been fully operational throughout the last few months.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding of passengers and lineside neighbours during the repair process.”
