Brighton to Falmer rail upgrade to cheer Albion fans

Journeys to and from Brighton and Hove Albion matches should improve with more frequent trains and longer platforms.

Network Rail is to spend more than £2 million upgrading the signalling between Brighton and Lewes and extending the platforms at Falmer Station.

The modernised signalling will enable more trains to use the track. They are currently restricted to a maximum of one every nine minutes.

And the platform extensions at Falmer will enable fans to get on and off trains using all eight carriages rather than seven.

Simon Chapman, Network Rail’s route enhancement manager for Sussex, said: “These improvements will provide extra capacity on the well-used line between Brighton and Lewes and provide passengers using Falmer Station with better access between the train and platforms.

“As Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club and the surrounding area continue to grow, the station must evolve too and this work will help to provide a better gateway for fans and passengers who travel there by train.”

Simon Kirby, the Conservative MP for Brighton Kemptown, recently met Network Rail executives to discuss the improvements.

The current signalling in the area dates back to the 1980s and the investment will improve the infrastructure to help meet the needs of a growing and increasingly in-demand railway.

Thousands of students at Sussex University and Brighton University also use the line each day.

Work to lengthen the platforms is due to be completed by December and the resignalling work is due to be finished by next spring.

Mr Kirby said: “I am delighted with these announcements that will make a real difference for passengers on this stretch of rail, including for Albion fans on match days.”