Passengers warned of train disruption this weekend on the Brighton main line

Network Rail is to close two of the four lines at Salfords near Gatwick tomorrow (Saturday January 9), Sunday and Monday.

It will mean a reduced service to London and the south coast and passengers are being told to check before travelling.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “Owing to heavy rain, there has been significant movement on a section of the embankment which has been picked up by our monitoring systems, and we have had to place a speed restriction of 5mph on this section of track.

“The stabilisation works will involve delivering sheet piles to the area, using a crane to lift the sheet piles into place and to then drive the piles into the embankment to stabilise it.

“Repairs to the embankment will allow the temporary 5mph speed restriction to be removed and train services are expected to run as normal from Tuesday January 12.”

There will be revised train services on Saturday January 9, Sunday January 10 and Monday January 11 across the Southern and Thameslink network.

Passengers should expect a reduced service between the south coast, London and Cambridge.

Sussex route director Shaun King said: “We are sorry for any inconvenience this emergency closure may cause the community at Salfords. The safety of passengers is of the utmost importance, so we have taken the decision to close the lines whilst we undertake this vital repair work.”

Network Rail says tickets can be used on local bus services if necessary and passengers can also claim Delay Repay compensation if their journey is delayed by 15 minutes or more.