A RAIL operator will be carrying out essential work which will impact train services for a fortnight.

Network Rail engineers will be working on lowering the risks of landslides by strengthening a section of track in Hove.

This work will run between September 18 and October 1.

The work is hoped to stabilise a section of railway cutting in Hove and prevent landslips which have caused significant delays to passengers in recent years.

Engineers will be installing 1,012 rock bolts into the ground to help stabilise the cutting as well as hold a net that will catch rocks and protect the railway.

While this work takes place, no trains can run on the route directly linking Hove and Brighton, and buses will replace trains between Brighton and Littlehampton.

Trains will run to an amended timetable between Preston Park and Littlehampton and between Littlehampton and Portsmouth Harbour and Southampton Central.

Southern customers will have to change trains at Preston Park to travel to and from Brighton, whereas customers travelling between Portsmouth Southampton and Brighton will need to change trains at Littlehampton and Preston Park.

The Argus: This work will run between September 18 and October 1.This work will run between September 18 and October 1.

Trains running between Brighton and London will not be affected by the essential work.

Great Western Railway services to and from Brighton will end at Worthing on weekdays and Portsmouth Harbour at weekends.

Throughout the disruption, train tickets will be accepted on Brighton, and Hove bus routes 2, 6, 7, 46 and 49 between Shoreham, Portslade, Hove and Brighton to help people get around.

Katie Frost, Sussex route director for Network Rail, said: "These works will ensure reliable journeys for passengers across the Brighton Main Line for decades to come. Engineers will be working hard to stop any future slips and make the line much more secure.

"We know this site very well, and I want to thank the local community for their patience while we complete this vital project."

Sporting events are taking place on Sunday, including Brighton and Hove Albion's match against Leicester City at the Amex Stadium and the London to Brighton Cycle Ride, so trains are expected to be busier than normal.

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