Portsmouth Direct Line Set for Weeks of Rail and Road Closures
Travelers along the Portsmouth Direct line between Guildford and Portsmouth should expect a series of rail and road closures from 27 September to 13 November. Network Rail is completing the final stage of a signalling upgrade between Farncombe and Petersfield. The closures are necessary to test 90 new signals and 17 new signalling buildings and to ensure the upgrades improve train efficiency and safety along the route.
The planned closures are essential for completing the upgrade and ensuring the line operates safely and reliably. The signalling work involves several key improvements designed to enhance safety and efficiency along the line:
- Control transfer to the Basingstoke Railway Operating Centre for faster and more effective train management.
- Upgrades to nine level crossings, including the installation of Obstacle Detection and CCTV monitoring systems.
- Enhanced operational safety, allowing signallers to check crossings remotely and lower barriers only when it is safe.
“We appreciate that there is never a good time to close the railway and we’re sorry for the disruption this will cause. However, these closures are essential to complete the vital upgrade of the Portsmouth Direct line. By carrying out the majority of work during the Autumn half-term - when fewer people travel – we can minimise disruption while delivering long-term benefits."
Rail passengers should anticipate weekend travel disruptions and a nine-day shutdown at the end of October, which will affect access to popular outdoor destinations. Visitors may find it more difficult to reach the South Downs National Park trails near Petersfield, the Guildford Cathedral grounds, and the gardens at Hinton Ampner estate. Journeys will take longer than usual during closure periods, and planning ahead is recommended to avoid delays and adjust itineraries accordingly.
Motorists will also encounter temporary closures at nine level crossings between Farncombe and Liss while safety improvements are completed. Road access to locations such as Trotton Hill viewpoint, the Liss Forest walking paths, and the riverside area near Milford on Sea may be restricted. The work includes upgrading half-barrier crossings, installing CCTV and Obstacle Detection systems, and updating footpath signals. Safety at the crossings will be managed around the clock by on-site staff, but drivers should plan detours to minimize disruption.
Passengers on the line over the next few weeks should prepare in advance for both closures and changes to the timetable. While short-term disruptions are unavoidable, the upgrades will provide long-term benefits, including safer, more predictable train operations and improved safety at crossings. Careful planning and checking the schedule will let travelers still access the region’s outdoor sites during the temporary restrictions. The line’s upgrades are designed to support safer and more reliable travel for those using the Portsmouth Direct route.