Major improvement works set to disrupt rail passengers between Southampton and Bournemouth
Passengers are being urged to 'plan ahead' as major improvement works will disrupt rail services between Southampton and Bournemouth today
The works are due to start today (Monday 1st of November), and will last for 5 days.
Usually works like this would take place over a series of weekends, but owing to low commuter traffic due to the pandemic, it will actually affect less people to do them in the week.
WATCH: Tom McNamee from Network Rail explains why the works are taking place in the week.
On Monday the line will be completely closed between Southampton and Bournemouth. From Tuesday to Friday the line will be shut between Brockenhurst and Bournemouth - with rail replacement buses running.
Engineers are set to 'work around the clock' to make infrastructure more reliable, which will remove certain speed restrictions.
At Brockenhurst, teams will install new electrical equipment to improve power supply, and track circuits – which tell signallers where trains are on the network – will be replaced.
Drainage will be improved in the Totton and Ashurst areas, engineers will carry out vital maintenance on two bridges that cross the Avon and Stour rivers and concrete sleepers – which support the track – will be replaced between Christchurch and Pokesdown for Boscombe.
What if you need to travel?
Monday 1st November
Monday 1st November
Rail replacement buses will run as follows:
2 buses per hour Southampton Central to Bournemouth – direct service
2 buses per hour Southampton Central to Bournemouth – calling at Totton, Ashurst, Brockenhurst, Sway, New Milton, Hinton Admiral, Christchurch and Pokesdown for Boscombe
2 buses per hour Southampton Airport Parkway to Bournemouth – direct service
2 buses per hour Brockenhurst to Lymington Pier – calling at Lymington Town
Buses will run in both directions, following the same calling patterns.
Tuesday 2 to Friday 5 November
Tuesday 2 to Friday 5 November
Rail replacement buses will run as follows:
2 buses per hour Southampton Central to Bournemouth – direct service
2 buses per hour Brockenhurst to Bournemouth – calling at Sway, New Milton, Hinton Admiral, Christchurch and Pokesdown
2 buses per hour Southampton Airport Parkway to Bournemouth – direct service
Buses will run in both directions, following the same calling patterns.
Mark Killick, Network Rail Wessex route director, said: “This critical improvement work will make journeys better for passengers as once the work is complete, the track and signals will be more reliable and allow us to remove speed restrictions.
“We never take the decision to close a busy stretch of railway lightly and have reviewed our approach carefully to confirm it is the best option. We’re working closely with operators SWR and Cross Country to make passengers aware of alternative travel arrangements and I would encourage anyone travelling to check before they make their plans.”
Alan Penlington, SWR’s customer experience director, added: “The work Network Rail is carrying out from the 1 November will mean big improvements for our customers. Not just a more reliable and resilient service, but also visible improvements.
“I realise these works will mean significant disruption for our customers and I’d like to remind anyone who’s traveling to plan ahead to see if their journey is affected. Replacement buses will be in operation meaning journeys will take longer. I’d like to thank customers for their patience and understanding whilst these essential works are carried out.”