Train services resume between Petersfield and Havant following essential upgrade work - More closures confirmed
Train services are back up and running between Petersfield and Havant following a nine day closure for essential upgrades, with further closures confirmed.
Network Rail has completed several major upgrades to the line between the two railway stations in a coordinated programme of work designed to maintain safe and reliable services on the Portsmouth Direct Line.
The nine day closures, which commenced on February 14, allowed engineers to conduct drainage improvements, track renewals, signalling, power and telecoms work and complete follow up work needed after the recent Farncombe to Petersfield signalling upgrade.
Tom McNamee, infrastructure director for Network Rail and South Western Railway, said: “Thank you to passengers for their patience while we carried out these works between Petersfield and Havant.
“Following the completion of the Farncombe to Petersfield upgrade, we are now moving into the next planned stage of improvements on the Portsmouth Direct Line.
“This is part of a long-term programme to renew ageing infrastructure and improve reliability for passengers travelling between Portsmouth and London.”
During the closures, preparatory work was also carried out in anticipation of the next stage of long-term improvements on the Portsmouth Direct Line, with Havant benefitting from a £120 million programme of upgrades.
Signalling equipment in the Havant area is approaching the end of its operational life and over the coming years, it will be replaced, with control transferring to the Basingstoke Rail Operating Centre. This forms part of a phased programme of work scheduled through to 2028.
Engineers will return to the Portsmouth area ahead of the Easter weekend, with bus replacements operating between Havant, Fareham and Portsmouth Harbour from Saturday, March 28 to Thursday, April 2.
During these closures, work will include structural repairs to Portcreek Viaduct, which connects the mainland with Portsmouth on the Isle of Portsea, and renewal of wheel timbers around Portsmouth & Southsea station.
“We plan these closures carefully across the year so engineers can carry out major upgrades safely and reduce the likelihood of unplanned disruption in the future.”
Further planned closures in 2026 will take place around the late May Bank Holiday, with additional access planned towards the end of October. Dates will be confirmed in due course.
More updates to follow.