Rail line closes for viaduct work

The viaduct carries trains over the Lymington River

A rail line through the New Forest has closed while work is carried out to strengthen a viaduct.

The Lymington branch line will be closed until 3 November for work to improve the durability of wrought iron columns on the viaduct over the Lymington River.

About 1.2km (0.75-mile) of track will also be replaced in a bid to improve reliability.

Buses will replace trains between Brockenhurst, Lymington Town and Lymington Pier for the duration of the works.

The single-track Lymington Branch Line connects Brockenhurst, on the South West Main Line, to Lymington and the Wightlink ferry to and from the Isle of Wight.

The work on the viaduct is the first of two phases to ensure its continued safety.

This second phase of this work is due to be completed over the Christmas and New Year period, with the line closed from 21 December to 5 January 2025.

Once laid, the new section of track be will also be treated by a specialist Sand Rover vehicle which applies a sticky sand-like gel to tracks to help train wheels to grip in wet and slippery conditions.

Mark Goodall, Network Rail Wessex route director, said: “We’re sorry for any inconvenience this work will cause and thank passengers for their patience during this period.

“This work is critical for the continued safe and reliable running of the Lymington branch line over Lymington River which we know is a popular line that provides visitors with regular ferry connections to the Isle of Wight.

"We’re working closely with our train operator partners South Western Railway and Wightlink Ferry company to ensure passengers can continue their journeys.”