Major disruption: no trains between Lewes and Haywards Heath until approximately 22:00 

Route(s) affected

Between Ore / Eastbourne / Seaford and Brighton, and also between Ore / Eastbourne and London Victoria

Description

A train has derailed in the Lewes area. This has closed all lines running through this station.

As a result of this, trains are currently unable to run through the area to allow the emergency services to attend the incident.

Major disruption is expected until 22:00.

Customer advice:

No trains can run through Lewes and Haywards Heath until further notice. You will need to use an alternative route to reach your destination.

It is strongly recommended that you travel later on today, where possible.

If you are already travelling or must travel you should allow at least an additional 60 minutes to complete your journey today.

Trains between Brighton, Lewes and Eastbourne / Seaford are likely to be disrupted so please allow an additional 60 minutes if you must travel on this route.

Please talk to station staff, look at the information boards or check your journey planner for the most recent information.

The following stations will not be served by Southern services until further notice:

• Cooksbridge

• Plumpton

If you are travelling to or from these stations

Southern have requested rail replacement buses. These have not been confirmed yet but when they are it will show in your journey planners. This will take up to an additional 60 minutes to complete your journey.

If you're waiting on a train which is delayed between stations:

If your train is delayed between stations, please remain where you are and listen to announcements, or speak to staff for further information. Southern will get you moving as soon as possible. They are aware of your location, and their teams will be doing everything they can to help you continue your journey.

Please don't leave the train unless you are asked to do so. Other trains may still be moving in the area, and the track is also a very hazardous environment. In areas where the trains are powered by an electric third rail, this usually stays live and dangerous during incidents, and looks the same as other rails.

Catching a flight?

If you are travelling to Gatwick Airport, please allow at least an extra 90 minutes for your journey to ensure you make your flight connections.

Can I use my ticket with another operator?

You can travel on the following services at no additional cost:

• Southern services between Brighton and London Victoria

• Thameslink services between Brighton and London Victoria

• Gatwick Express services between Brighton and London Victoria

• London Underground between all London terminals

• Brighton & Hove bus services on the following routes:

  • 28 - Brighton (St Peter’s Church), Moulsecoomb (Brighton University), Falmer, Lewes (Post Office / Law Courts), Polegate, and Eastbourne

  • 29 / 29B / 29X - Brighton (St Peter’s Church), Moulsecoomb (Brighton University), Falmer, Lewes (Post Office / Law Courts), Uckfield, Crowborough, Eridge, and Tunbridge Wells

Planning your journey:

You can use live departure boards, a live map of the network and the alternative route guide to help you.

If you're travelling in the London area, you can plan journeys on alternative routes by using the TfL Journey Planner.

The Southern app will also help you plan your journey.

Can you tell me more about the incident?

Following the incident, all train movements in the affected area have been stopped or significantly reduced while emergency response teams, Network Rail engineers and other specialist staff work to assess the situation and ensure the railway is safe.

At present, Southern are working closely with local teams and colleagues at Network Rail to assess the situation and understand the impact on services.

They appreciate that this disruption may be causing inconvenience to your journey

Please be assured that teams are doing everything possible to resolve the issue safely and as quickly as possible.

They will continue to provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.

Check before you travel:

You can check your journey using the National Rail Enquiries real-time Journey Planner.

For helpful advice if you need to travel on a rail replacement service, including accessibility and bicycle information, please use our Rail Replacement Services page.

You can find the pick-up and drop-off location of rail replacement services by checking station signage or by searching for your station on our Find a Station page.

Please be advised that replacement vehicles may be busier than usual, and you should allow extra time for your journey.

Compensation:

You may be entitled to compensation if you experience a delay in completing your journey today. Please keep your train ticket and make a note of your journey, as both will be required to support any claim.