Wessex Route Stakeholder Newsletter

Welcome to the January 2022 newsletter for the Wessex Route at Network Rail!

This month Network Rail engineers returned to Portsmouth to complete strengthening the Landport Viaduct, which will allow trains to continue running at full line speed and on time.

Engineers also successfully stabilised the bridge between Axminster and Crewkerne in emergency works after detecting a deterioration in the condition of the lineside.

Coming up, the line between Staines and Windsor & Eton Riverside will be closed between Monday 21 and Sunday 27 February 2022 while preparations continue for new signalling equipment and to carry out essential work to improve track reliability.

Buses will also replace trains from Guildford to Petersfield from Saturday 12 to Sunday 20 February, with services to Havant also affected on Sunday 13th February, as we're getting ready to start work on our major Portsmouth Direct Upgrade.

Strengthening Landport Viaduct

Earlier in January, at Portsmouth & Southsea station we finished strengthening the viaduct to improve the reliability of the railway. The viaduct supports the station's two platforms for trains to Portsmouth Harbour. The viaduct's 17 spans were strengthened in two blockades throughout January.

Making the most of the line closure, we also completed vital maintenance at Portcreek Junction, between Cosham, Bedhampton and Fratton.

Emergency Engineering Works between Crewkerne and Axminster

Our engineers successfully completed emergency work on the River Axe bridge in Crewkerne on 23 January. Lineside conditions deteriorated earlier this month, and, at short notice, a line closure was required between Axminster and Crewkerne to stabilise the bridge and keep trains running safely and reliably. Follow-up work will take place until mid-to-late February while trains are not running.

Guildford to Petersfield Line Closure: 12 - 20 February 2022

We're getting ready to start work on our Portsmouth Direct Upgrade, a large programme of work which includes a major resignalling project, upgrades to level crossings and renewing sections of track and 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.

Check before you travel: Buses will replace trains from Guildford to Petersfield from Saturday 12 to Sunday 20 February, with services to Havant also affected on Sunday 13 February.

You can read more about the programme here.

Staines to Windsor & Eton Riverside Line Closure: 21 - 27 February 2022

As part of our Feltham and Wokingham Resignalling Programme we're preparing for new signals to be installed between Staines and Windsor & Eton Riverside.

In a line closure from Monday 21 to Sunday 27 February, engineers will install cabling for new signals, complete track maintenance, conduct structural examinations and clear litter from the line.

Check before you travel: Buses will replace trains from Staines to Windsor & Eton Riverside all week, and from Hounslow to Windsor & Eton Riverside on Sunday 27 February.

You can find out more about the programme here.

If you have any concerns or queries about our work across the Wessex route, please drop us a line at SouthernRegionStakeholders@networkrail.co.uk