Passengers are being asked by Network Rail to view proposals regarding the removal of a set of junctions near East Croydon and to have their say on the potential work.
1,700 trains pass through the set of junctions, known as the flat railway junctions, which are found north of East Croydon. Due to the number of trains passing through the set of junctions, bottlenecks are formed, with delays extending onto the Brighton main line.
Proposals from Network Rail show plans to replace the set of junctions with viaducts, bridges and dive-unders in order to separate trains using the railway.
This would make the railway more reliable for railways.
John Halsall, Network Rail managing director, southern region, said: “I'm really pleased to see we've already had a strong response to the public consultation, and encourage both Brighton Main Line passengers and communities along the line of route who have yet to do so, to take the time to give us their feedback.
“We know these proposals are critical as they are the only way to deliver a combination of more reliable, more frequent and faster services for passengers on the Brighton Main Line and its branches.
“Your views will help us shape our designs to deliver the best possible outcome for passengers, and wide support for the scheme will strengthen the case for investment in this region.”
Jonathan Sharrock, Chief Executive at Coast to Capital, said: “The Coast to Capital LEP area is one of the worst affected regions as a result of the restrictions needed to control the COVID-19 pandemic. Our strategic priority is to diversify and build resilience in our economy, supporting growth across all of our major sectors.
“Our ongoing area-wide Brighton mainline campaign aims to bring investment and long-term increases in railway capacity on the line which links our whole area and facilitates wider economic growth.
“Our region needs faster and more reliable transport links to enhance capacity, connectivity and resilience. Unlocking the Croydon Bottleneck is critical to the success of this; we strongly support the proposals and continue to urge local businesses and residents to respond to the consultation.”
Chris Philp MP, Croydon South, said: “Fixing the Croydon bottleneck is an incredibly important project that will not just benefit the people of Croydon, but will impact a significant part of the Brighton Main Line. It's so important that the views of residents are heard on this crucial project and I urge as many people as possible to take part.”
Sarah Jones MP, Croydon Central, said: “I would encourage all those from Croydon and beyond to let their feelings known about important proposed changes to the rail network. There's only a month left to do so and it doesn't take long!”
Elliot Colburn MP, Carshalton and Wallington, said: “The Croydon bottleneck project will not only increase service reliability on the Brighton Main Line and across the service, but also address the growing need for additional rail capacity in south London and the suburbs.
“I strongly welcome these proposals, which will massively benefit all passengers across the network.
“As we enter the final month of the Network Rail consultation, I urge everyone living across south London, Surrey and Sussex to have their say.”
Steve White, Chief Operating Officer of Govia Thameslink Railway which operates Southern and Thameslink trains through the station, said: “This is one of the busiest stretches of railway in the country and a huge constraint on the services we can operate. We welcome this planned investment which will make a positive difference to our passengers by improving performance and boosting capacity. There is one month left so I would urge people to take part in the consultation and support this scheme.”
The public consultation will close at 11:59pm on Sunday 20 September. To find out more, please visit networkrail.co.uk/Croydon
You can view a video about the proposals here.
Where Next?
RailAdvent Plus
Get image downloads, Prints and Streaming Video
News Homepage
For the Latest Railway News
RailAdvent Online Shop
Railway Prints, DVD's / Blu-Ray's and more
LocoStop – The RailAdvent Community
Come and share your railway pictures
Mainline UK Steam Info
Upcoming mainline steam tours/loco movements
Network Rail
Visit their website
The scheme looks pretty solid to me: east Croydon needs more platforms to function properly, and conflicting movements need to be eliminated north of the station. Some constrictions immediately north of the station, but plenty of space within the Selhurst/Norwood Jncn. triangle to make fundamental changes. Whilst now might not seem the time for big schemes, the future will judge this as being the right one. I recently missed a connection to Uckfield waiting for an Up Victoria to cross my path, a daily occurrence.
Selhurst junction needs a massive upgrade. It’s such a busy junction and bottleneck near to East Croydon and West Croydon in South Croydon. Which is why a new flyover and underpass is needed.
Rather than moving East Croydon station. Why not retain the railway station but to sort out the notorious junction to the north of East Croydon with flyovers and underpasses being built.
So that it can reduce congestion and to stop the bottleneck of trains being clogged up and bringing delays to Southern and Thameslink services.
And let the people vote for what design they want if they replace the railway junction.
Let the people vote if they want it replaced or not.