Engineered by the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway's Chief Engineer Frederick Banister, the first section of the line was opened in 1847 to aid the transport of goods to and from Newhaven. The line was extended in 1864 to serve the holiday town of Seaford. There used to be extensive sidings at Newhaven Docks and even a railway swing bridge over the River Ouse to connect to the other side.
Designed by the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway's Chief Engineer Frederick Banister, the first part of the line was opened in 1847 to facilitate the transportation of goods to and from Newhaven. The line was extended in 1864 to serve the holiday resort town of Seaford. There used to be extensive sidings at Newhaven Docks and even a railway swing bridge over the River Ouse to connect to the other side.