Rail passengers are being urged to plan ahead for Easter travel as Network Rail embarks on a GBP 86 million programme of upgrade works across the country, with over 300 engineering projects taking place.
Train services in Hampshire will be significantly affected between 12 and 20 April 2025, particularly on the route between Southampton and Portsmouth. Network Rail engineers will use the closure to carry out essential works to stabilise a railway cutting between Swanwick and Fareham. The area, which has experienced previous landslips, will be reinforced with a sheet piled wall and additional rock to improve long-term stability.
During this period, additional works will be carried out, including:
- Repairs to strengthen the footbridge at Hamble station
- Vegetation management between Fareham and Swanwick
- Replacement of 10 wheel timbers on the River Itchen viaduct with long-lasting synthetic alternatives
- Rail testing and lubrication to improve ride quality
Full service amendments and rail replacement buses
Network Rail and South Western Railway are advising passengers to check their journeys in advance, as services across the Southampton area will be amended and replaced with buses throughout the Easter period:
Saturday 12 April
- Buses replace trains between Eastleigh–Southampton Central and Southampton Central–Fareham
- Revised services on routes between Southampton Central and Salisbury, Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth
Sunday 13 April
- Buses replace trains between Southampton Central–Bournemouth, Eastleigh–Fareham, and Brockenhurst–Lymington Pier
Monday 14 April to Friday 18 April (Good Friday)
- Buses replace trains between Southampton Central and Fareham
Saturday 19 April (Easter Saturday)
- Buses replace services between Southampton Central and Fareham, Southampton Central and Bournemouth, Brockenhurst and Lymington Pier, and Romsey and Southampton Central via Redbridge
Sunday 20 April (Easter Sunday)
- Buses replace trains between Eastleigh–Bournemouth, Brockenhurst–Lymington Pier, Romsey–Southampton Central via Redbridge, and Southampton Central–Fareham
Monday 21 April (Easter Monday)
- All lines reopen; Bank Holiday (Sunday) timetable in effect
Additional works in South West London
From Saturday 19 April to Monday 21 April, the line between Twickenham and Teddington via Strawberry Hill will also be closed for switch and crossing upgrades. Buses will replace all train services during this period.
Passengers are advised to use journey planners on train operator websites to check for the latest updates before travelling.
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