Travel · Rail, Channel & ferries · 7 November 2026
Selhurst Road to close for railway bridge replacement
Network Rail has announced that Selhurst Road will close for nearly a month to replace a Victorian-era railway bridge. The works are scheduled to take place between 27 December and 2 January.
Network Rail has announced that the 160-year-old railway bridge at Selhurst Road will be removed and replaced. The structure, built in 1861, is being replaced because it has reached the end of its serviceable life. Lucy McAuliffe, Sussex Route Director for Network Rail, said: "We have carried out multiple repairs to the Selhurst Road railway bridge, but it has now reached the end of its serviceable life and needs to be replaced."
The physical replacement of the bridge is set to occur between 27 December and 2 January. However, the road closure required for the project begins earlier. During this period, Edith Road will also be closed to vehicles, although pedestrian access will be maintained.
Pedestrian access on either side of the bridge will remain available throughout the closure. The new bridge will be installed using Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs). This method is necessary because underground utility pipes prevent the safe use of a conventional heavy-lift crane. According to Network Rail, the alternative construction method requires a longer road closure but is considered the safest and most practical solution.
The announcement does not specify the exact date for the removal of the old bridge or the specific days within the 27 December to 2 January window when the SPMTs will be active. It also does not detail the specific traffic management plans for Edith Road beyond the vehicle closure. The operator has apologised for the inconvenience to residents, businesses, and road users during the holiday season.
Written by StreetOwl from Network Rail’s own announcement. It was drafted by StreetOwl’s own model, every figure and quotation was checked by code against the announcement, and it was read and approved by Michael Rossi before it went up. It says what was announced, not what anyone should do about it.
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