Network Rail engineers gear up for bank holiday work on London-Sussex main line

The work means no trains will run between Victoria and East Croydon for the four days of the Easter bank holiday, with most trains diverted to London Bridge.

Some services will run between Balham and East Croydon.

Gatwick Express services will not run; customers are advised to use Southern or Thameslink services between London Bridge and Gatwick Airport.

Network Rail’s route director for Sussex, Katie Frost, said: "I realise this stretch of track seems to be closed a lot lately – but there’s a good reason for that.

"Major investment always means there is a degree of disruption while the work is done and we are midway through that process now.

"The importance of the East Croydon to Victoria route with commuters means it’s a tough one for us to close outside of weekends and holidays, so this is the least-worst option for everyone.

"However, the equipment we are installing will be more reliable and the project will also reduce everyday delays through new designs of track and signalling."

Southern’s customer services director Chris Fowler said: "Network Rail have worked closely with us to time this vital modernisation for the least possible inconvenience to our customers.

"Tickets will be accepted on relevant Tube and bus services between Victoria, Clapham and Balham, and on the Tube between Victoria and London Bridge.

"We’ve also arranged replacement buses between Clapham Junction and either Balham or East Croydon, as required, for local journeys in south London.

"Other Southern routes will be affected, including Brighton services, so we urge customers to check details and plan their journeys in advance.”