Nine-day railway closure for upgrades begins

The final phase of upgrades to the Portsmouth Direct line are to be completed

A nine-day rail closure affecting passengers in Surrey and southern England during school half-term has begun.

Replacement buses are to run for services between Staines and Windsor, and between Guildford and Havant from Saturday until 2 November.

The final phase of upgrades to the Portsmouth Direct line are to be completed between Guildford and Havant, while nine level crossings in south west Surrey and north east Hampshire are to be upgraded.

Mark Goodall, Wessex Route Director for Network Rail and South Western Railway, said these closures were essential to complete a "vital upgrade".

He added: "By carrying out the majority of work during the autumn half-term – when fewer people travel – we can minimise disruption while delivering long-term benefits."

Work on the Portsmouth Direct line includes a major resignalling upgrade between Farncombe and Petersfield, which started in early 2022.

The new system will be controlled from the Basingstoke Railway Operating Centre, with 90 signals and 17 equipment buildings being activated and tested.

Network Rail said the upgrades would deliver safer and more reliable services.

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