Essential train upgrades completed on Portsmouth line after half term disruption - further closures scheduled
Essential train upgrades have been completed following days of closures
The latest phase of vital upgrades on the Portsmouth direct line have been completed following days of bus replacements.
Over the past five days, Network Rail and South Western Railway engineers have worked round the clock to improve the infrastructure along the south coast while also progressing the next stage of the Havant re-signalling programme.
Work to upgrade signalling in the Havant and Portsmouth area began in March 2026, with engineers replacing ageing equipment. Over the past year, signalling failures have caused more than 18,500 minutes of delays on the line.
During the most recent closure, teams continued their preparatory work for the re-signalling programme, which included laying materials and vegetation management to support the upgrade. Engineers will return in October 2026 and February 2027 to continue their work.
As part of the work, engineers renewed 18 timber wheels, strengthened two bridges between Fratton and Portsmouth Harbour, renewed three sets of switches and crossings in the Fratton area and refurbished the footbridge at Fratton.
Tom McNamee, infrastructure director, speaking on behalf of Network Rail and South Western Railway, said: “Over the May half-term, we have continued to modernise signalling on the Portsmouth Direct Line, replacing ageing equipment in the Havant area that is increasingly prone to failure and can cause delays for passengers.
“We’ve renewed key components on Portcreek viaduct, where ageing wheel timbers needed to be replaced to prevent further unplanned closures.”
The Havant resignalling programme will see an additional £120 million invested in the Portsmouth Direct Line, on top of the £129million Farncombe to Petersfield resignalling programme.
Mr McNamee added: “We’re sorry for the inconvenience caused to passengers whilst we carried out these works. Network Rail and South Western Railway worked closely to plan the works and replacement services, helping passengers continue to complete their journeys while we deliver these upgrades.”