North Downs Line signalling upgrade
We’ve renewed the level crossings and signalling on the line between Guildford and Gatwick Airport for safer, more reliable journeys
From Sunday 14 to Saturday 27 September 2025 we completed the final stage of our re-signalling on the line.
We upgraded four level crossings on the line; Chilworth, Tangley, Brook and Burrows Lane. Our engineers also upgraded the signalling between Shalford and Gomshall, installing 16 new signals.
Brook and Burrows Lane level crossings are being replaced by state-of-the-art level crossing technology to make them safer for both train and road users. The crossings will be fitted with radars that will scan the crossing before a train approaches, only lowering the barriers once all vehicles are clear.
Meanwhile Chilworth and Tangley level crossings will be fitted with CCTV systems and be monitored by a signaller, who will observe the crossings, lowering the barriers when safe to do so.
Tangley, Brook and Burrows were also all fitted with barriers that cover the entirety of the road, reducing the risk of drivers trying to get passed lowered single lane barriers.
Newer equipment means faults are less likely to occur, providing more reliable services for passengers.
Why were the works needed?
The level crossings and signalling was outdated, being installed in the 1970s. These works will increase resilience, through the installation of intelligent modern equipment which allows remote monitoring. The new crossings have also been designed to be easier to maintain.
These crossing will also improve the safety of the line for road users. Burrows Lane, Tangley and Brook crossings were three of the riskiest crossings on the route, but these improvements have decreased the risk of an incident at these crossings by 97%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get in touch
If you have any questions about the work we’re doing on the North Downs Line, please contact us by visiting our contact us page or by calling our 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41.