OREANDA-NEWS. Trains were diverted and replacement buses laid on for the duration of the project, which saw more than 200 engineers working every day at more than 20 locations in the area.

The complex junction, where lines from Caterham, Tattenham Corner, Redhill and Gatwick all merge, has been completely replaced with new track and associated equipment, to provide a better ride and more reliable journeys.

As with all major track renewals, a short period of bedding in will now take place, with trains running at reduced speeds. This is not expected to have a major impact on journeys.

Network Rail route managing director Alasdair Coates said: “I would like to thank passengers for their patience, and also our lineside neighbours, who will have seen and heard the huge project going on over Christmas.

“There is no good time to do this work, and I am especially conscious of the disruption we caused to passengers travelling to Gatwick and to work in London. However, we must continue to invest and rebuild the Brighton Main Line to keep trains running reliably for the thousands of people who rely on it every day.

“This was a massive project on one of the country’s busiest railways and the successful completion is a credit to our engineers and suppliers.”

Gatwick Express Passenger Services Director, Angie Doll said: “I would like to thank our passengers for their patience and understanding while the work took place. Our contingency plans worked extremely well and everyone was able to get to their destinations as planned. Now that this important junction has been renewed, we expect it to be more reliable, reducing the risk of disruption in the area.”