Network Rail is preparing to deliver a significant package of maintenance and renewal works on the Portsmouth Direct Line, with engineers set to make full use of the upcoming February half‑term to tackle drainage, track and signalling upgrades.
The works will see the railway closed between Petersfield and Havant for part of the school holiday, with additional service impacts affecting Portsmouth Harbour and Guildford on surrounding weekends.
The half‑term closure enables a coordinated programme of engineering activity focused on boosting reliability and protecting the route from seasonal disruption. The work package includes:
- Drainage improvements to guard the line against flooding and reduce service‑affecting incidents
- Track renewals to maintain smoother, more reliable journeys
- Enhancements to signalling, power and telecoms to ensure the safe day‑to‑day operation of the railway
- Follow‑up adjustments following the commissioning of the recently delivered Farncombe–Petersfield signalling upgrade
This concentrated approach allows Network Rail to complete multiple pieces of essential work at once, helping reduce the need for future closures.
Once the Petersfield–Havant works are complete, Network Rail plans to return during the spring to continue its improvement programme at key points around the Portsmouth area. Further details on these works will be confirmed in due course.
These activities form part of an ongoing commitment to maintain the long‑term safety, resilience and reliability of the Portsmouth Direct Line—critical for both commuter and leisure travel across the region.
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.”
“This work builds on improvements already delivered and forms part of a longer programme of activity across the route.
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.”
Image credit: Network Rail
