Guildford to Petersfield Line Closure: 12 – 20 February 2022
South Western Railway (SWR) has confirmed that it will be conducting a nine-day closure of the line between Guildford and Petersfield. In an announcement, Matthew Evans (Senior Stakeholder and Public Affairs Manager SWR) said that “this will allow Network Rail to carry out important infrastructure works which will help to improve reliability, journey times and potential route capacity”.
How will South Western Railway services be affected?
From Saturday 12th February to Sunday 20th February, buses will replace trains between Guildford and Petersfield stations. SWR services from London Waterloo to Portsmouth via Guildford services will be revised and will terminate at Guildford. Buses will run between Guildford and Petersfield, with a revised shuttle service running between Petersfield and Portsmouth Harbour. SWF will be running additional services between London Waterloo and Portsmouth via Eastleigh Monday-Friday.
On Sunday 13th February services to Havant will also be affected. London Waterloo to Portsmouth via Guildford services will terminate at Guildford. Buses will run between Guildford and Havant, with a revised service will run between Havant and Portsmouth Harbour.
The timings of the replacement bus services are now available for people to plan their journeys here.
Pre advertised closure
SWF has conducted an information campaign which has grown each week over the past few months and includes radio advertising, posters and electronic displays at stations, on platform and in train announcements, a cumulative social media campaign on both Twitter plus press releases to relevant local media and segments on BBC South.
SWFhave also worked with Hampshire County Council to ensure sufficient replacement buses are in place for students travelling to school (schools in Surrey will be on half term during the blockade).
You can find the most recent combined NR and SWR news release on the blockade here.
Why is this closure taking place?
This closure is part of the Portsmouth Direct Upgrade, a major programme of work being undertaken by Network Rail which includes a major resignalling project, upgrades to level crossings and renewing sections of track along with switches and crossings.
Engineers will begin preparations for 90 new and improved signals between Farncombe and Petersfield, while essential maintenance will also be carried out to improve reliability.
The Portsmouth Direct Upgrade is taking place between early 2022 and late 2024, and will result in faster journeys and fewer delays for customers.
You can read more about the Portsmouth Direct Upgrade project here.