From Saturday 21 to Sunday 29 October, Network Rail engineers will work to update the signalling equipment between Farncombe and Petersfield, as part of the Portsmouth Direct Upgrade programme.

As a result, buses will replace trains:

• between Guildford and Petersfield from Sunday 21 to Saturday 28 October
• between Guildford and Havant from Sunday 21 to Sunday 29 October.

The Portsmouth Direct Upgrade is expected to be complete by October 2024. It will upgrade the 1970s signalling, track and level crossings on the line from Woking in Surrey to Portsmouth Harbour, improving reliability, making level crossings safer, reducing journey times, and creating the possibility for more train services.

The Upgrade was announced in late 2021, with work beginning in early 2022.

During the line closure next month, Network Rail workers will carry out work including:

• installing signal piles (foundations for the signals)
• installing new signal posts
• installing new signal gantries either end of Haslemere station
• laying power cables at Princess Bridge
• constructing a signalling equipment building
• upgrading level crossings between Farncombe East and Liss.

Engineers will use the opportunity to carry out other work, including:

• stabilising the cuttings at Haslemere and Wormley to help prevent vegetation debris falling onto the track
• track maintenance work in Haslemere
• refreshing the station canopies at Farncombe station
• brickwork repairs in Guildford tunnel
• vegetation management along the line.

Mark Killick, Network Rail’s Wessex route director, said: “Next month our engineers will continue key upgrades to track, signalling and level crossings between Farncombe and Petersfield,  as part of our wider Portsmouth Direct Upgrade.

“This work is crucial to improving the reliability of the railway for customers travelling between Portsmouth and London Waterloo and will help reduce journey times as well as provide the opportunity to increase the number of service in the future.

“There is never a good time to close the railway but our engineers will be making use of every minute to complete a wide range of work and we’re grateful to customers for their patience and understanding during this time.”

Peter Williams, South Western Railway’s customer and commercial director, commented: “Customers should please check before travelling and allow extra time for journeys, as buses are replacing trains between Guildford and Petersfield for nine days from Saturday 21 to Sunday 29 October, extending to Rowlands Castle and Havant on Sunday 29 October.

“Making the decision to close parts of the network is really difficult because we know how inconvenient it can be for customers, but giving Network Rail this access will allow them to make significant progress upgrading the line and help avoid future day-to-day disruption.

“We thank customers for their patience as these essential upgrades are carried out, which when complete will boost reliability for many years to come.”