£4.7m plan to improve train station and track in Fareham welcomed

Network Rail said it will spend £4.7m replacing nine sets of points, the crossings which allow trains to move between lines, as well as 240 metres of track, from October 22 to 31. In addition, Network Rail and Hampshire County Council will be jointly investing £1m to upgrade the station.

This will see a resurfaced forecourt, improved station access, a new accessible toilet and upgrades to the existing platform toilets.

Fareham’s council leader Sean Woodward said: ‘I am delighted. There are millions being spent improving the road network outside, too, at Station Roundabout and the junction of Gudge Heath Lane and Redlands Lane so it is a very good idea to upgrade the station too.

‘It is excellent. It is all coming together and will give a better experience for passengers, using what has become a pretty grotty station.’

Pam Bryant, ward councillor, said: ‘Anything that make it more comfortable and accessible is a good thing, and I am all for it. Along with the road and highways infrastructure improvements, it will make it a more attractive way to travel’

The line through Fareham will close for nine days from October 22. During this time a bus replacement service will operate and passengers are advised to check before they travel.

Colum Cavanagh, director of route asset management at Network Rail, said: ‘I’d like to thank passengers for their patience while we carry out these upgrades.’