Disruption from a landslip in Surrey which left a railway line hanging in mid-air will last until the middle of next month.
Network Rail said the incident, which happened on January 23 near Ockley, means the line between Horsham and Dorking is “impassable”.
Following days of heavy rain, the soil gave way along a nine-metre section of embankment and slid out from under the tracks.
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Repairs to the railway will involve about 47 steel piles being installed to strengthen the embankment.
The line was initially scheduled to be closed until Friday at the earliest, but a reopening date has now been set for February 16 while the work takes place.
Warnham, Ockley and Holmwood stations will have no services during this period.
An hourly replacement bus service is being provided, but passengers are advised to allow for “at least 30-40 minutes longer than usual” to complete their journeys.
Network Rail Sussex route director Lucy McAuliffe said: “This is a significant landslip which is already having an impact on our customers.
“While the line is closed and our teams carry out the repairs, some journeys will take much longer until the repairs are complete.
“I can only apologise for the disruption that customers are experiencing on this part of the network.
“We need to stabilise the embankment, stopping it from moving, and then rebuild the railway where it has slid away.
“We’ll keep everyone informed of our progress and we will be working around the clock to ensure that the railway is reopened as quickly and as safely as possible.
“In the meantime, please do check before you travel.”
Jenny Saunders, customer service director for train operator Southern, said: “Safety is at the very core of our railway, and it will take engineers some time to restore the embankment so trains can safely run again.
“We have a comprehensive plan to keep passengers on the move, including rail replacement buses and ticket acceptance with other transport operators.”
Landslips are a major issue for Network Rail.
Rail regulator the Office of Rail and Road reported in its 2023/24 annual safety report that the rate of “high-consequence earthworks failures” was at its highest since records began in 2008.
It said the incidents are “closely related to poor and extreme weather, especially high rainfall”.
