Rail Disruptions Ahead: Portsmouth Area To See One-Week Closure for Engineering Works

Published on: 13 Feb, 2025
Updated on: 15 Feb, 2025

Rail passengers travelling between Portsmouth, Havant and Fareham should prepare for disruptions next week as Network Rail carries out vital engineering upgrades, leading to service closures and replacement buses.

From Saturday, February 15, to Friday, February 21, sections of the railway will be closed, with rail replacement buses operating throughout the affected areas.

What Work is Being Done?

Network Rail engineers will be working around the clock at several sites to complete critical upgrades, including:

• Portcreek Junction – Installation of 390m of new track, 450m of conductor rail, and replacement of two sets of points to improve train movement.
• Landport Viaduct – Replacement of old wooden wheel timbers with a longer-lasting synthetic alternative to support track at Portsmouth & Southsea station.
• Bedhampton – New track and ballast installation at the level crossing, plus a fresh coat of paint.
• Tree removal – Clearing dead, diseased, and dangerous trees between Quay Viaduct, Fareham, and Portchester sub-station to reduce leaf fall and keep trains running safely.
• Fratton footbridge refurbishment – Strengthening and repainting of the structure to bring it up to modern standards.

These improvements aim to enhance rail reliability, reduce speed restrictions, and provide smoother and quieter journeys for passengers.

How Will This Affect Train Services?

Rail replacement buses will operate during the closures:

• Saturday 15 – Tuesday 18 February: Buses replace trains between Havant and Fareham and Havant and Portsmouth Harbour. Southern passengers can use South Western Railway services between Fareham and Southampton Central, with buses operating early morning and late evening.
• Saturday 15 – Friday 21 February: Buses replace trains between Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour.

Passengers are advised to check with South Western Railway, Great Western Railway, or Southern for the latest travel information.

Network Rail & Train Operators’ Response

Mark Goodall, Network Rail’s Wessex Route Director, acknowledged the inconvenience but emphasised the benefits:

“There’s never a good time to close the railway, but the February half-term will see fewer passengers using our services. Our engineers will be working across several worksites to complete a range of important upgrades that, once finished, will make for more reliable and enjoyable journeys.”

Peter Williams, Customer and Commercial Director for South Western Railway, urged passengers to check before they travel:

“Rail replacement buses will run from Fareham and Havant, and also between Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour. We’re sorry for the disruption, but this work will result in a more reliable railway and smoother journeys.”

Jenny Saunders, Customer Service Director at Southern, also advised passengers to plan:

“Please allow plenty of extra time if you’re travelling west of Havant this February half term. Full details are available on our website.”

Plan Ahead

Travellers are encouraged to check their journeys in advance, use online journey planners, and allow for additional travel time during the work.

For the latest updates, visit the South Western Railway, Great Western Railway, or Southern Railway websites.

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