Rail line closure prompts warning to plan ahead

Rail passengers have been warned to plan ahead as no trains will run between Guildford and Havant this weekend.

The closure is part of engineering works taking place on the line over the school half-term break.

Network Rail said buses would replace trains between the stations in Surrey and Hampshire on Saturday and Sunday and warned journey times may be longer than usual.

Engineers are carrying out drainage improvements to protect the railway from flooding, track renewals, together with signalling, power and telecoms work to support the safe operation of the route.

They will also carry out follow-up work after a signalling upgrade between Farncombe and Petersfield.

Tom McNamee, infrastructure director for Network Rail Wessex and South Western Railway said: "We're continuing to invest in maintaining and renewing the Portsmouth Direct Line to support a safer and more reliable railway."

He said: "We know there is never a good time to close the railway, and we're sorry for the disruption this will cause.

"By carrying out this work during the school half-term, when passenger numbers are typically lower, we can complete a significant amount of essential work more efficiently and reduce the need for repeated closures later on."

Further closures are also planned from 28 March to 3 April and from 25 to 30 May, with details to be issued later.

Passengers can check latest travel advice on the National Rail and South Western Railway websites.

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