Jubilee rail works kept to minimum

Network Rail has promised to cut back on heavy engineering work in the South East over Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend (June 2-5), to ensure that journeys to special events can be achieved without stress or taking extra time.

The only work planned is closure of the Hayes-Lewisham route for track improvements

- in contrast to the widespread disruption over the May Bank Holiday weekend (April 30-May 2),

No trains ran between East Croydon and Victoria for three days, to enable progress on the £160 million resignalling scheme that includes Clapham and Balham. No Gatwick Express services operated, and others were diverted to London Bridge.

There were also full possessions of the Tonbridge to Paddock Wood and Wadhurst routes for track reconstruction. Work was also carried out between Ashford and Ramsgate via Canterbury West, and Lewisham and Orpington via Grove Park.