From Saturday, 15 February to Friday, 21 February 2025, parts of the railway between Portsmouth, Havant, and Fareham will be closed as Network Rail carries out essential engineering upgrades.

Rail replacement buses will be in operation during this seven-day closure, while engineers work around the clock to improve infrastructure in the region.

Key upgrades will take place across several sites in the Portsmouth area, including:

• Portcreek Junction: Engineers will replace 390 metres of track, 450 meters of conductor rail (which supplies power to trains), and two sets of points—moveable sections that allow trains to switch tracks.

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• Landport Viaduct: The wheel timbers that support the track at Portsmouth & Southsea station will be replaced with a more durable synthetic material (Fibre-reinforced Foamed Urethane), which lasts 30 years longer than the current wooden versions and requires less maintenance.

• Bedhampton: New track and ballast will be installed at the level crossing, which will also be repainted as part of the upgrade.

• Fareham to Portchester: A number of dead and hazardous trees will be removed between Quay Viaduct and Fareham sub-station to prevent leaf fall onto the railway and ensure safe, reliable service.

• Fratton Footbridge: The footbridge will be refurbished to meet modern loading standards, with scaffolding erected to allow engineers to work on the bridge's exterior, including painting the underside.

These critical improvements, particularly the track replacements, aim to reduce the need for temporary speed restrictions and enhance the reliability of the railway. Passengers can expect smoother, quieter, and more comfortable journeys once the upgrades are completed, helping to future-proof the network and improve the overall travel experience in the region.