This weekend, Network Rail will be carrying out emergency engineering works between Brockenhurst and Lymington Pier.

A minor landslip occurred over the festive period near Battramsley, and a 5 mph speed limit was imposed.

Over the new year, temporary repairs were made to prevent further ground movement beneath the track, allowing trains to travel at 20 mph.

The area has been monitored since, and repairs were planned this weekend to install a steel wall to support the embankment, repair the ground and realign the track.

This work will proceed as planned; however, heavy rain has required the line to close earlier due to changing conditions.

Every 30 minutes, a replacement bus will run today, and replacement buses will run as planned while work is carried out on the 17th and 18th January.

Passengers are advised to plan ahead and check journeys online, and keep an eye out for updates for journeys next week.

Following the repairs, trains will continue to run at reduced speed to ensure the repairs are successful.

This is not the only area affected by heavy rain, which has also caused landslides, as seen in Devon.

“We’re very sorry for the additional disruption and the short notice of this line closure. We understand that closing the Lymington branch line will be frustrating for passengers and it’s not a decision we’ve taken lightly.

“The safety of our passengers is paramount, and after yesterday’s heavy rainfall, we were forced to block the line for safety reasons. Our engineers will work around the clock to put in a long-term fix, rebuild the embankment and ensure the track is back in alignment.

“We’d like to thank passengers for bearing with us while we carry out these essential repairs. We’ll be doing everything we can to get the railway back open as soon as possible.”

Speaking on behalf of Network Rail and South Western Railway, Tom McNamee, Infrastructure Director