West Sussex Railway Line Reopens After Train Strikes Level Crossing Barrier

Rail operations have resumed after a brief closure caused by a passenger train striking debris from a level crossing barrier at Adversane near Billingshurst.

The incident occurred early in the morning at approximately 08:15 BST, as reported by Network Rail. The debris was a result of a vehicle impacting the barrier, which subsequently left parts on the track, affecting the train’s electrical power.

Following the collision, Southern Rail confirmed that service disruptions were expected to continue until around 13:00 BST but assured that the lines had been reopened and services were gradually returning to normal.

However, some trains between Arundel and Horsham were either cancelled or delayed as the situation stabilised. Response teams were deployed and all 43 passengers aboard were safely evacuated without any injuries reported.