Passengers are being reminded to only travel if they have to this bank holiday weekend as a closure on the Botley Line in Hampshire takes place.
Engineers will be installing 1400 metres of track between Fareham and Eastleigh over the seven days from Saturday 23rd May until Friday 29th May.
A ‘New Track Construction' train will be used to lay sleepers and align the rails into place quickly.
Whilst the work is carried out, there will be no trains between Fareham and Eastleigh.
Rail replacement buses will be in operation to replace South Western Railway trains calling at Eastleigh, Hedge End, Botley and Fareham.
Great Western Railway trains between Portsmouth Harbour and Cardiff Central will be diverted via Netley. Southern trains will be diverted via Swanwick.
Mark Killick, Network Rail Wessex route director, said: “We apologise to those affected during these essential upgrades. We are continuing to work on and invest in the rail network to make it more reliable for passengers, so it is vital that we deliver these improvement works between Fareham and Eastleigh. Please continue to follow Government advice and avoid public transport where possible. If you do need to use the railway, follow the guidance on social distancing and wear a face cover, allow more time for your journey, and where there is engineering work taking place, check in advance if your journey is affected.”
Alan Penlington, Customer Experience Director at South Western Railway, said: “We know these works will be disruptive for those passengers who still rely on our services, but it is vital they go ahead to make our railway more reliable. We are committed to keeping key workers moving during this difficult time, and will be running replacement buses to ensure those that need to travel, can.”
Where Next?
RailAdvent Plus
Get image downloads, Prints and Streaming Video
News Homepage
For the Latest Railway News
RailAdvent Online Shop
Framed Prints, DVD's / Blu-Ray's and more
LocoStop Community
Come and share your railway pictures
Mainline Steam Info
Upcoming mainline steam tours/loco movements
Network Rail
Visit their website
Maybe parts of the Botley Line that are single track should be upgraded to double track. Despite its not really a busy line but is used for freight trains as well South Western Railway & Southern trains that avoids Southampton Central.
Would be interesting to see if I could get out and about.