Half-term upgrade improves reliability on Portsmouth Direct train line
The works will improve reliability
Engineers have installed 61 new axle counters and renewed track on the Portsmouth Direct train line as part of a £250 million programme to improve reliability.
During the October half-term, work continued on a major project to reduce signalling failures in the Havant area, while carrying out vital maintenance to improve reliability between Liphook and Petersfield.
The latest round of improvements took place between October 24 and November 1 in Havant, on the busy train corridor that connects Guildford with Portsmouth and Chichester with Southampton. Buses replaced both SWR and Southern services in these areas.
61 new axle counters, vital equipment that tells signallers where trains are on the network, were installed as part of the Havant resignalling programme, alongside upgrades for important safety systems.
New rails were also installed between Liphook and Petersfield, while upgrading signalling and cabling systems.
The project was part of SWR and Network Rail Wessex’s £250 million investment to replace ageing track and signalling, and part of its wider plans to improve the reliability of the railway.
183 metres of track were also renewed in the Fishbourne area, with rails, sleepers and ballast replaced to provide smoother and more comfortable journeys on Southern’s West Coastway route.
George Murrell, Renewals Director for South Western Railway and Network Rail Wessex, said: “Reliable trains need reliable tracks and signals, which is why we invested in renewing and upgrading signalling systems on this key route. This was an important step for our £250 million project to improve our railway on the Portsmouth Direct Line and deliver the reliable service our customers deserve.
“I’d like to thank passengers for their patience whilst we carried out these works over the half term.”
Jenny Saunders, Customer Service Director for Southern, said: “Vital resignalling work designed to give our passengers better, more reliable services, regrettably meant anyone travelling west of Chichester during the October half term had to use a rail replacement bus.
“I know that for some people this meant longer journeys and I’m sorry for the impact this had.”