Seaford branch line


The Seaford branch line is a rural railway line in East Sussex constructed in 1864 primarily to serve the port of Newhaven and the town of Seaford. It now sees fairly regular trains across the line except for the branch, which is still technically open but is fenced off from the public and not on any timetables.

History

Engineered by the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway's Chief Engineer Frederick Banister, the first section of the line was opened in 1847 to aid the transport of goods to and from Newhaven. The line was extended in 1864 to serve the holiday town of Seaford. There used to be extensive sidings at Newhaven Docks and even a railway swing bridge over the River Ouse to connect to the other side. These have now been removed or have become overgrown, as has the defunct station, which has been fenced off from the public. Once a thriving station serving ferries to and from France, the walk of just under 1/4 mile to station and the cessation of winter ferries forced its closure. The line was electrified by the Southern Railway in 1935. The line between and was reduced to single track to save costs in 1975.

Route

Train services are operated by Southern. Class 313s and Class 377 "Electrostars" are used on the line to transport passengers to Lewes, Brighton and London.
The normal off peak train service on the line is two trains per hour between Brighton and Seaford calling at London Road, Moulsecoomb, Falmer, Lewes and then all stations on the branch line.
Occasional peak hour services continue towards London Victoria via Haywards Heath, Gatwick Airport and East Croydon.
At off peak times, connections with services towards London can be made at Lewes.

Passenger volume

Comparing the number of passengers in year beginning April 2002 to the year beginning April 2010, Southease has increased by 96%, Newhaven Town by 45%, Bishopstone by 58% and Seaford by 56%. Newhaven Harbour has declined by 51%.