Brighton Road bridge near Coulsdon South station

We’re installing protection barriers to the bridge that carries the Brighton Main Line over Brighton Road (A23) to protect the bridge and the railway from vehicle collisions. 

Project timeline

Work began on 1 September 2025 and further work will take place at the end of April 2026. The final sections of the work are currently being planned, and we will provide an update once more information becomes available.

What work is taking place?

The Brighton Road bridge, which carries the Brighton Main Line over the A23, has been hit multiple times by large vehicles. This has caused delays and disruption to train services.

To tackle this, we are installing specially designed steel protection beams and a support structure. This will absorb vehicle impacts and protect the bridge structure.

In late April we will work on the four existing green steel frames located on the abutment walls on both sides of Brighton Road. The works include:

• Drilling additional holes through the existing steel frames and drilling into the masonry as we install new steel anchors into the abutment walls to secure the frames.

We are re-planning the installation of the collision beams for the bridge at a later date.

When is the work taking place and how will it affect me?

Further works will take place at the end of April 2026.

To facilitate these works, some spaces in the car park at the station will be temporarily closed from 04:00 on Friday 24 April until 12:00 on Friday 1 May.

There will also be a full road closure of Brighton Road from 22:00 on Saturday 25 April to 04:00 on Monday 27 April.

Pedestrian access to the station will be maintained throughout the work and normal train services will run to and from Coulsdon South.

Road closures and station access

At times, traffic management and a road closure will be in place on Brighton Road to facilitate the works.

The station remains open with normal train services. Step-free access is unaffected via southern access road/south side of the station.

Car park closure 

• 10 spaces in the station car park will be closed from 04:00 Friday 24 April to 12:00 on Friday 1 May to enable us to store plant machinery and welfare units. The following spaces in red will be suspended.
• The local private hire company will remain open and will have access to and from the area.
• Step-free pedestrian access to or from the station will be maintained.

The station car park access road will remain open throughout the works.

Brighton Road closures  

• From 21:00 on Wednesday 22 April 2026 to 22:00 on Saturday 25 April 2026 there will single lane closures and one-way traffic lights in place on Brighton Road. Pedestrian access under the bridge will be available during this time. 

• From 22:00 on Saturday 25 April to 04:00 Monday 27 April 2026 there will be a full road closure with a signed diversion route in place on Brighton Road (A23). This is to make sure the public is safe while we carry out works. Whilst we carry out this: 
  
  • The bus stops will be suspended and local TfL buses will be on a diversion route during this time.
  • Drop off and pick up will be available via the station access road one-way system as normal. Care will have to follow the diversion south onto Brighton Road as the vehicle access under the bridge will be in place.
  • Pedestrian access under the bridge will remain throughout the works.
  • Private hire bays for the local taxi company will as normal.

• From 23:30 on Monday 27 April to 05:30 Tuesday 28 April – Overnight road closure. Brighton Road will be fully closed with a signed diversion route in place. Pedestrian access under the bridge will remain available during these overnight closures. 
  
• From 21:30 on Tuesday 28 April to 05:30 Friday 1 May – Overnight road closures each night for three nights. Brighton Road will be fully closed with a signed diversion route in place. Pedestrian access under the bridge will remain available during these overnight closures.

We are working closely with the local authority, Southern and Thameslink, and our contractors to minimise disruption and ensure safe access for all road users and pedestrians. Access to Coulsdon South station will be maintained throughout. 

Why is the work needed?

Bridge strikes are a major cause of train delays and infrastructure damage. Despite efforts like improved signage and driver education, the Brighton Road bridge continues to be hit. Installing protection beams is a proven solution that will safeguard the bridge, reduce delays, and improve reliability for thousands of daily passengers.

Get in touch

If you have any questions, please visit our contact us page or telephone our 24-Hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41 quoting Brighton Road Bridge.