Network Rail is warning passengers that from Saturday 15 to Friday 21 February 2025, some sections of the railway between Portsmouth and Havant and Fareham will be closed.

Operators will provide rail replacement buses while Network Rail completes work on engineering upgrades.

Network Rail promises that these upgrades – particularly the laying of new track – will mean that there will be less need for temporary speed restrictions.

It will also enhance reliability and ensure smoother, quieter, more comfortable journeys for passengers.

While the sections of line are closed, Network Rail workers will be carrying out upgrades at several sites. These will include the following.

At Portcreek Junction, engineers will replace two sets of points, and will lay 390m of new track and 450m of conductor rail.

At Bedhampton, they will lay new track and install ballast at the level crossing. Workers will also paint the level crossing.

Between Quay Viaduct, Fareham and Portchester sub-station, workers will remove dead, diseased and dangerous trees.

This will help to reduce the number of leaves that fall onto the railway, and so reduce delays and disruption.

Engineers will also refurbish Fratton footbridge, to ensure that it meets modern loading standards. Scaffolding will be erected to give workers access to a the exterior elevations of the structure, and to paint the underside of the bridge.

Details of the line closures and their impact on train services are available from the national rail website and from train operators South Western Railway, Great Western Railway and Southern.

Network Rail and operators are urging passengers to check before travelling if they plan to use services in the Portsmouth area, including between Fareham and Havant, and between Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour.

South Western Rail passengers also faced disruption over the recent Christmas and New Year period.

“Please be sure to plan ahead and allow plenty of extra time for your journey if you’re travelling west of Havant with Southern this February half term.”

Jenny Saunders, Customer Service Director at Southern