Southampton to Fareham line closure

Essential earthworks are taking place during the Easter holidays to improve the reliability of services between Southampton and Fareham

Jump to

What work is taking place?

Over 9-days, our engineers will be working round the clock to stabilise 300 meters of railway cutting at Abbey Road near Swanwick. This will be done by installing sheet piles and adding strips of rock (rock ribs) to the cutting in order to prevent landslips in the future.

With the line closed we’ll also complete vegetation management between Fareham and Swanwick (Whiteley Lane Bridge and Highlands Road Bridge). This will provide a safe walking route, and the removal of hazardous trees will help to create a sustainable compliant lineside.

Other works during the 9-day line closure includes:

  • Rail maintenance work including rail testing and lubrication
  • Repairs to Hamble station footbridge
  • Drainage work at Hamble
  • The renewal of 10 wheeltimbers at bitterne viaduct as part of an ongoing programme of work

When is the work taking place?

The work is taking place over 9 days from Saturday 12 – Sunday 20 April 2025. This will see the line closed from St Denys to Fareham extending to Southampton, Bournemouth, Romsey Lymington Pier and Eastleigh.

How will this work affect me?

During the line closures buses will replace trains on the following routes:

Saturday 12 – Sunday 20 April

The line between St Denys to Fareham will be closed

Saturday 12 April

The line between Southampton Central to Eastleigh will be closed

Sunday 13 April

The line between Bournemouth to Eastleigh and Brockenhurst to Lymington Pier will be closed

Saturday 19 April

The line between Bournemouth to Southampton Central will be closed

Sunday 20 April

The line between Bournemouth to Eastleigh and Redbridge to Romsey will be closed with no services operating out of Southampton Central

Whilst every effort will be made to contain the noisier activities to the daytime, the constraints of our schedules may mean that some noise at night is unavoidable. We apologise if our work causes you any disruption.

Check before you travel

Please visit South Western Railway, Southern or Great Western Railway for more information about rail replacement services.

For the latest travel advice and to minimise disruption to your journey please visit National Rail.

Why is this work needed?

This work will make the railway safer for everyone. By completing these earthworks, we can reduce the risk of landslips which could potentially close the line. Our work will boost the reliability of the line and reduce delays caused by infrastructure failings.

Contact us

For more information or to get in touch with us, please contact us by visiting our contact us page or by calling our 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41. Information can also be found on our twitter page @NetworkRailWssx