Train services have resumed on the line connecting Southampton and Portsmouth via St Denys and Fareham, following the completion of essential railway upgrades.
During the nine-day closure, Network Rail engineers undertook significant work to stabilise a 300-meter section of embankment between Swanwick and Fareham by installing a metal sheet pile wall. This enhancement will ensure more reliable train operations and reduce the risk of disruptions caused by landslips in the area.
In addition to the embankment stabilisation, engineers carried out several other improvements:
- Strengthening the Footbridge at Hamble Station: This will help reduce long-term maintenance costs.
- Vegetation Management: Overgrown hedges and trees along the line between Fareham and Swanwick stations were cut back to prevent them from falling onto the railway and disrupting services.
- Upgrading Wheel Timbers: Ten wooden wheel timbers on the viaduct over the River Itchen were replaced with synthetic ones made from Fibre-reinforced Foamed Urethane, which last 30 years longer and require less maintenance.
- Rail Maintenance: Routine testing and lubrication were conducted to ensure smooth operations.
These improvements mark a significant step towards enhancing the reliability and efficiency of train services on this vital route.
Mark Goodall, Network Rail’s Wessex route director, said: “I’d like to thank passengers for their patience and understanding while our teams have completed this important work over the Easter break.
“I recognise the piling work to stabilise the embankment between Swanwick and Fareham, at times, may have been noisy for residents living nearby for which I’m sorry for any disruption caused.
“We’re committed to running a safe, reliable and punctual railway and the work we have completed is an integral part in fulfilling this commitment.”
Southern’s Customer Service Director, Jenny Saunders, said: “These works have ensured the reliability of services on the line for years to come, and I’d like to thank our passengers for being patient while engineers were hard at work on our railway.
Peter Williams, SWR’s Customer and Commercial Director said: “We are very pleased that the line connecting Southampton and Portsmouth has reopened after this essential maintenance work to improve reliability and reduce disruption in the area. We are very grateful to our customers for their patience and look forward to welcoming them back on our services.”
Image credit: Network Rail
