Work to repair the railway between Lewes and Haywards Heath is nearing completion following the derailment earlier this month.
Network Rail says more than 80 per cent of the restoration programme has now been completed, with passenger services still expected to resume on Tuesday, 1 September.
In its latest update on Thursday, 27 August, Network Rail confirmed that work to repair and restore the railway remains on track to be completed over the Bank Holiday weekend ahead of the planned reopening.
Engineers have been rebuilding the railway embankment, installing replacement track and repositioning signalling equipment following the derailment on Thursday, 13 August.
The recovery operation has involved creating temporary foundations and working platforms for heavy equipment, using specialist Kirow cranes to recover the derailed vehicles and removing damaged track and ballast.
Network Rail says around 500 metres of track will be renewed and 850 sleepers replaced across a 160-metre section of embankment.
Around 9,000 tonnes of aggregate have been delivered to the site, while four engineering trains and around 250 tipper truck journeys have been used during the operation.
At least 5,000 hours of work have also been carried out by teams from Network Rail, GTR and their contractors.
Network Rail says extensive testing and final safety checks will be completed before passenger trains are allowed to return.
The line between Haywards Heath and Lewes has been closed since the derailment, with replacement travel arrangements in place for passengers.
Network Rail and Southern Railway have previously confirmed that the route is planned to reopen to passenger services on Tuesday, 1 September.
Get the latest ALERTS for BREAKING NEWS in the SOUTH on your phone by downloading the V2 RADIO APP today!
V2VOUCHERS.CO.UK is offering half-price deals on a wide range of experiences across the South, from meals out at local restaurants to tickets for some of the region’s biggest events.


Picturedrome in Bognor Regis closed over fire safety concerns
400 home Ford development deferred
Man’s body found near water at Elmer Beach
Brighton student to walk 100km from Eastbourne to Arundel for charity
Where are all the Poppys? UK’s favourite dog name missing from West Sussex top five
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service recruiting on-call firefighters in Burwash
Goldendoodle makes remarkable recovery after devastating road accident in Hampshire
More than 100 unsafe electric blankets found during West Sussex fire service checks
Police appeal for key witnesses after unprovoked Gosport assault
Woman suffers life-threatening injuries in A22 East Grinstead collision

