Portsmouth trains will be cancelled this weekend - is there a replacement bus service and how much longer will it take?
There will be no trains to and from Portsmouth this weekend - even though Pompey have a game at Fratton Park.
South Western Railway has announced that all trains between Portsmouth Harbour and Petersfield have been called off on Saturday, February 14, due to engineering work around Havant.
This will also affect railway services at Portsmouth and Southsea, Fratton, Hilsea, Bedhampton, Havant and Rowlands Castle railway stations.
Confirming the news on X, a spokesperson for South Western Railway said: “Engineering work will take place between Petersfield and Havant from Monday 16 to 22 February.
“Weekend closures will extend to Portsmouth Harbour and Guildford. Other services will be amended.”
Travelling football fans will be among the most heavily affected, with Pompey playing host to Sheffield United that day. The Blades are three places and six points above the Blues in the Championship, with both sides having lost their most recent league game.
Here’s everything you need to know about the closures - and how to still get to Fratton Park on Saturday.
Is there a replacement bus service?
South Western Railway has confirmed that a replacement bus service will be in effect for the weekend, and that all changes to the timetable are reflected on their online journey planner.
An SWR spokesperson said: “On Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15, buses will replace trains between Petersfield and Portsmouth Harbour.
“Fast buses will run between Petersfield and Portsmouth Harbour calling at Havant, Fratton and Portsmouth and Southsea.
“Stopping bus services will run between Petersfield and Portsmouth Harbour calling at Rowlands Castle, Havant, Bedhampton, Hilsea, Fratton and Portsmouth and Southsea.
“Trains between Portsmouth and Southampton/Eastleigh are unaffected.”
Due to roadworks in Portsmouth, there could be some additional delays to the replacement bus services - commuters have been advised to allocate an extra hour for their journey.
How to get to Fratton Park
The replacement bus service will still stop at Fratton station, as the trains would have done. From there, cross over the bridge and turn left into Goldsmith Avenue, and follow the road down to the Pompey Centre.
The entrance to Fratton Park is via McLoughlin Way.