Work to improve the Southampton to Bournemouth line has been completed on time by Network Rail.

From 1st to 5th November, over 100 engineers worked at multiple locations along the 42km route to improve track quality and drainage, reducing delays for customers.

The work was part of a £3 million package of improvements to the line.

During the five days, engineers worked around the clock to:

• Suck up old ballast from the line at Hinton Admiral using a rail vacuum cleaner;
• Install a new electricity sub-station at Lymington. A large crane was needed to lift it into the position, and the operation was hampered by high winds.
  Once the sub-station is fully functional, it will help to improve the reliability of the power supply in the area;
• Upgrade track circuits at Totton, Beaulieu Road, Brockenhurst, and Christchurch;
• Replace wheel timbers over the rivers Avon and Stour on either side of Christchurch station.
  Wheel timbers are used on the river bridges to provide extra strength and length, and are wider and longer than the traditional railway sleepers.
• Improve drainage in the Totton and Ashurst areas to help to prevent delays caused by flooding.

Now that the work is complete, a temporary speed restriction on the line has been removed.

Mark Killick, Network Rail Wessex route director, said: “This critical improvement work will make journeys better for customers as the track and signals will be more reliable.

“Through it all, our customers and people who live by the railway have been really understanding and patient. We know people would prefer to have been on trains than buses, but by doing the work over five days – rather than across multiple weekends – we can complete the work much more quickly.

“I want to thank our customers for their patience and by working closely with SWR and CrossCountry, we were able to carry out the work with the least amount of disruption and inconvenience.”

Alan Penlington, customer experience director at South Western Railway, said: “The work Network Rail have completed will make a big difference to the customer experience in the area. New signalling, improved drainage and the removal of speed restrictions will mean greater punctuality and resilience on the line for years to come.

“Closing the railway for five days is never a decision taken lightly, and I’d like to thank customers for their patience and understanding during these essential works.

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