Wessex railway upgrade plan
Over the next 5 years, we’re investing over £2bn to modernise the railway across the South West and into London
Between 2024 and 2029 we’re making a significant investment into the signalling, structures and tracks heading South West from London. The investment will help improve the resilience of the railway, as well as bringing it up to modern standards so that passengers can enjoy more reliable journeys into the future.
Key statistics
£333m on renewing tracks
£129m on earthworks
£329m to upgrade signalling
£165m on buildings and stations
£124m to refurbish and renew our structures
£119m on electrical and power supply improvements
Key projects
- Portsmouth Direct Upgrade – We’re carrying out a large programme of work to upgrade signalling and track on the line from Woking to Portsmouth Harbour to improve reliability and journey times.
- Fareham to Havant & Portsmouth Harbour – We’re delivering new track and completing bridge strengthening at Portsmouth’s historic landport viaduct.
- Wessex Switches & Crossings track renewals – a large scale track, switches and crossings, and signalling upgrade. To remove life-expired assets at several key locations, including the busy Nine Elms junction, Staines and Woking.
- Island Line Improvement works – We are working closely with SWR to renew the Island Line and the famous Ryde Pier to make sure passengers on the Isle of Wight receive a reliable and modern service.
Upgrade work
Keeping you moving
This record investment means that we’ll be doing more work to improve the railway across the South West and into London than ever before. We’ll do most of the work when trains are not running, but will need to work at weekends, bank holidays and during school holiday times.
If you are planning to travel at the weekend or during a holiday period, don’t get caught out. Always check before you travel at National Rail Enquiries or with your relevant train operator CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Southern or South Western Railway.
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.