Branch line service to resume after track repairs

A full service is expected to resume on a branch line after a small landslip.

The track between Brockenhurst and Lymington Pier in Hampshire was closed from Friday to Sunday after heavy rain.

The line then reopened with one train per hour - rather than two - in each direction and a reduced speed limit.

Network Rail said it hoped to restore a full service on Thursday, although it said further work would be carried out on the weekend of 21/22 February.

The recent three-day closure was caused by heavy rain that shifted an embankment near Battramsley.

Engineers found a further track defect nearby, which is due to be repaired on Wednesday night, the track operator added.

Previously, South Western Railway said a reduced service was expected until 23 February due to the complexity of the work.

However, some of the repairs were brought forward due to the damage from Storm Goretti, according to Network Rail.

The ground beneath the track was rebuilt and sheet piles were driven in to hold the embankment in place.

Infrastructure director Tom McNamee from Network Rail said: "I would like to thank our passengers for bearing with us.

"The recent wet weather and Storm Goretti left us with no choice but to get our teams to come in and carry out these vital repairs."

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