Track Renewal & Closures Update

Unfortunately aspects of the best laid plans sometimes do not always go as well as expected, despite best efforts and a detailed plan for a complex project. Bolney Road is being used more than anticipated and some of the signage needs repositioning. I have experienced myself the difficulties with Bolney Lane and checked the signage.

Network Rail management have asked me to apologise for incovenience caused. Via contractors they have asked for  ‘businesses open as usual’ signage with current signs to be moved further down Station Road and they have requested traffic lights for Bolney Lane. 

Responding to the Forum queries re access via footpaths whilst old tracks are removed and new ones installed, the status of footpath access is as plannned:

• access by Toast Lane the plan is not possible as the new track adjoins the viaduct with constant works during the implementation period, and
• 'the crossing to the north of the station acessing the  Thames Path will be opened as soon as we can, but it’s not safe to be open currently. The team on site are aware it needs to be opened as soon as it’s safe to do so.' 
• the signage referring to the completion of the works by Thursday 17th is incorrect. It is as planned - 5:40am Friday  18th August.

Again, apologies for inconvenience caused. Further updates to be provided as appropriate.

Posted by: David Pheasant | 14/08/2023 5:51 pm

Network Rail have requested traffic lights for Bolney Lane. The distance between the lights, however, is apparently too long to operate effectively. Providing 'stop/go' boards operated manually, presumably with mobile phone/other interaction mechanisms, is being considered. That said this may well be impractical to deploy by tomorrow (Thursday) and all pathways, road and track closures are planned to be open early on Friday morning at 5:40am.

Posted by: David Pheasant | 16/08/2023 7:18 pm

Alas, it is unlikely the footpath over the track from Northfield Road will be available by tomorrow. The remaining works are 'tamping' and aligning/preparing the track in preparation for 'welding' starting tonight and continuing tomorrow. There are still large train engines on the track as an integral part of these stages. The level crossing will also be completed tomorrow. The engineers confirm the track and footpaths will be open for trains and pedestrians on Friday morning as planned.

Posted by: David Pheasant | 16/08/2023 7:00 pm

The update received from Network Rail today (15th) August is that noise levels should reduce by 6pm tomorrow (Thursday 16th) and the footpath access over the track from Bolney Road via the Thames Path stile to Northfield Road will be available, with Network Rail managing the access.

Posted by: David Pheasant | 15/08/2023 6:17 pm