What happens in Chilworth after 10pm?

[Jan Mayen]

I read a GWR engineering poster, which had information about forthcoming engineering work on the North Downs line.
It mentioned that Chilworth wouldn't have a replacement bus service after 10pm.

Anyone know why? Road closure? Werewolves attacking buses?

I realise that the number of people going or alighting at Chilworth after 10pm could probably be counted on the fingers of one hand.

 

[styles]

They're upgrading level crossings I believe, including the crossing at Chilworth, so that may explain it as the crossing may be closed even to replacement buses, or they may need the turning circle for vehicle parking, making it difficult for buses to turn etc.

 

[Gloster]

Or the crossings are closed and the buses have to go the long way round avoiding the village.

 

[Jan Mayen]

They're upgrading level crossings I believe, including the crossing at Chilworth, so that may explain it as the crossing may be closed even to replacement buses, or they may need the turning circle for vehicle parking, making it difficult for buses to turn etc.

So not buses being attacked by creatures of the night, then. So much for my conspiracy theory!

 

[JonathanH]

They're upgrading level crossings I believe, including the crossing at Chilworth, so that may explain it as the crossing may be closed even to replacement buses, or they may need the turning circle for vehicle parking, making it difficult for buses to turn etc.

Chilworth is served on the north side of its level crossing with no need to cross it. However, I note that the crossing further west on the A248 (known as Tangley crossing) could be closed.

Interestingly on Sunday 14 September, there is a different bus from Guildford to Gomshall stopping at Shalford and Chilworth, to the main North Camp to Redhill buses, but that will be because it is quicker to use the A25 from Guildford to Gomshall than the A281 / A248 route.

Sunday 14 September

Trains will run between Reading and Ash with replacement buses planned between:

North Camp and Gatwick Airport – stopping at Guildford only
North Camp and Redhill – stopping at all stations except Shalford and Chilworth
Guildford and Gomshall – stopping at Shalford and Chilworth
South Western Railway will provide alternative transport between Guildford and Aldershot – stopping at Ash and Wanborough stations.

 

[Gloster]

Chilworth is served on the north side of its level crossing with no need to cross it.

The main road between Shalford and Gomshall passes over a crossing and through the village. If the crossing is closed it is a long detour out and back to reach the station.

 

[JonathanH]

The main road between Shalford and Gomshall passes over a crossing and through the village. If the crossing is closed it is a long detour out and back to reach the station.

Yes, that is Tangley crossing. I forgot about that one. Not obvious how a bus gets from Shalford to Gomshall without going that way or back into Guildford though.

The work is listed on the Surrey Council website - https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-a...n-your-area?district=Guildford#roadworks-list

New Road	Shalford	Railway works (KL131RSJ)	13 September 2025	25 September 2025	Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd
Little London	Tillingbourne	Railway works (KL131RSJ)	13 September 2025	28 September 2025	Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd
Brook Lane	Tillingbourne	Railway works (KL131RSJ)	13 September 2025	28 September 2025	Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd
Brook Hill	Tillingbourne	Railway works (KL131RSJ)	13 September 2025	28 September 2025	Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd
Sample Oak Lane	Tillingbourne	Railway works (KL131RSJ)	13 September 2025	28 September 2025	Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd
Burrows Lane	Tillingbourne	Railway works (KL131RSJ)	13 September 2025	28 September 2025	Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd

Clicking through in the New Road link shows that the road is closed daily from 11pm to 6am through the period.

Sample Oak Lane is the crossing at Chilworth Station.

 

[saismee]

So not buses being attacked by creatures of the night, then. So much for my conspiracy theory!

Not the buses, but the level crossings!

 

[izvor]

Not obvious how a bus gets from Shalford to Gomshall without going that way or back into Guildford though.

Indeed. RR buses are shown on NRE as calling at both stations, with 17 minutes running time between. Looks highly optimistic to me.

 

[zoneking]

Not obvious how a bus gets from Shalford to Gomshall without going that way or back into Guildford though.

Indeed. There is no route that a large vehicle like a bus/coach could use that does not go via the A248, so the most likely alternative is to go back through Guildford to join the A25, going via Newlands Corner. This is what the 32 bus does: it follows a similar route to the North Downs line and is often quicker when on diversion, but it avoids both Shalford and Chilworth.