Portsmouth's Victorian railway features to get 'vital' engineering attention
A MAJOR overhaul of Portsmouth’s railway network is in the pipeline for next year, it has been announced.
Network Rail has revealed plans for some ‘vital’ engineering work in 2021, with the long-term aim of protecting the city's railway infrastructure.
Many of these structures date back to the Victorian era, which the railway operator is keen to preserve.
The first project will be to strengthen the 1876 Landport Viaduct, which supports the aerial platforms at Portsmouth and Southsea Station.
After that, a separate project will see new track laid and a bridge rebuilt near Cosham – though Network Rail has confirmed this is not the pedestrian bridge that goes across the station.
Mark Killick, Network Rail Wessex route director, said: ‘We’re proud to be the custodians of some very old Victorian structures, and one of the challenges we face is running a frequent and busy train service over the top of them, while keeping them in top condition.
‘We really appreciate our passengers’ patience while we do the work we need to keep them safe, and ask that they plan ahead and check the latest travel advice before beginning their journeys.’
Between January 1-3, plus Sunday, January 17, the line from Fareham to Portsmouth Harbour will be closed for the Cosham project.
From January 18-24, the line from Portsmouth and Southsea to Portsmouth Harbour will close for work on the viaduct.
Mr Killick added: ‘We know any planned changes to train services can be disruptive to passengers, but both projects will provide a more reliable railway in Portsmouth.
‘By doing this work all together, and especially the seven-day closure, we will save many more weekends of potential disruption.’
Landport viaduct is supported by 17 spans with seven being strengthened during January’s line closure. The remaining 10 will be strengthened at a later date, Network Rail says.