Prior to Coronavirus lockdown, more than 300,000 passengers and 1700 trains passed through the Croydon area each weekday, making it the busiest part of the country’s railway network.

Capacity constraints at East Croydon and junctions north of the station known as the Selhurst Triangle cause frequent delays.

Network Rail proposes to move, expand and modernise the station to accommodate eight rather than the current six platforms and a larger concourse. A document out for public consultation says the station would be reconstructed in phases while trains continue to run.

The proposals also include remodelling of the Selhurst Triangle to provide grade separation of key rail junctions, involving the building of new viaducts, bridges and 'dive unders' to separate the tracks as they cross each other. This means trains will no longer have to wait at a red signal for others to pass, the document explains.

“These are clearly challenging times for the country and the rail industry, but we know that a safe, reliable and punctual railway will remain absolutely vital to the region and the country’s economy,” commented Network Rail managing director John Halsall.

“That is why we must continue to plan for the long term and progress proposals to unblock the Croydon bottleneck and remove the single greatest constraint on train punctuality and capacity on the Brighton Mainline.”

Works to unblock the bottleneck could start in 2023. The proposals also include rebuilding a road bridge over the railway with an increased span to provide space north of East Croydon for three additional tracks.

London Borough of Croydon leader Tony Newman said: “As a major transport hub and destination in the south east and as one of London’s growth boroughs, it is vital Croydon has the rail and transport infrastructure in place to support its evolution.

“These enhancements are desperately needed and will significantly improve travel for Croydon residents and those working in and visiting our town centre, so I am pleased this important scheme is progressing in spite of the current challenges.”

The consultation is due to close on 20 September.

Promoters of the proposed Brighton Mainline 2 project – which would see former lines reinstated through Sussex and Kent to relieve pressure on the existing mainline – have also welcomed the plans for Croydon.

Operational conflicts and route limitations at the bottleneck had previously been cited as reasons for not being able to return the Uckfield branch line in Sussex to its mainline status, they said.

(Image: Network Rail)