Around 25 firefighters have embarked on a major all-night operation to clear flood water which has submerged lines near Horsham railway station.
Crews from West and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service are working alongside West Sussex County Council to pump gallons of water from a field off Worthing Road this evening (Monday January 6).
The busy road was shut at 7pm but concerned rail staff were at the scene at around 3pm.
Firefighters - some up to their waists in flood water - are battling against the clock to have Worthing Road re-opened before the morning rush hour (Tuesday January 7).
It is currently closed from Sainsbury’s near Horsham town centre and the Hop Oast Roundabout at the park and ride service.
Dave Nelson, resilience and emergency adviser for West Sussex County Council, said: “We’re here to make sure we don’t lose the Horsham railway line, and to make sure this piece of infrastructure is safe.”
Two fire engines and a high-volume pump unit - described as a ‘national asset’ by the adviser - are being used to clear the water.
Mr Nelson said he expected the crews would work throughout the night in a race against time to have the road re-opened by morning.
The adviser added he has never known this area of Horsham to be so flooded.