Rail passengers set for a week of disruption due to maintenance works around Portsmouth Harbour, Portsmouth & Southsea, Bedhampton, and Cosham

Network Rail engineers are about to carry out improvements to Portsmouth’s railway network, including vital maintenance work to the Victorian viaduct leading to Portsmouth & Southsea station.

Works will close the line between Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour between Monday, January 18, and Sunday, January 24.

The closure will be extended to Cosham and Bedhampton on the Sunday for a range of improvements, including track renewals.

Key workers who have to travel on South Western Railway, Great Western Railway and Southern services are advised to plan ahead.

Trains will start and finish their journeys earlier, some will be diverted or call at additional stations, while others will be replaced by a bus service.

Mark Killick, Network Rail Wessex route director, said: ‘We know any planned changes to train services can be disruptive, but the vital work will provide a more reliable railway in Portsmouth.

‘By closing the railway for seven days, we will save many more weekends of potential disruption.

‘We appreciate our passengers’ patience while we do the work, and ask that if anyone has to travel between January 18 and 24 to plan ahead and check the latest travel advice before beginning their journeys.’

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‘We’re proud to be the custodians of some very old Victorian structures, and one of the challenges we face is running a frequent and busy train service over the top of them, while keeping them in top condition.’

Landport Viaduct, which dates back to 1876 and supports the station’s two platforms for trains to Portsmouth Harbour, will be strengthened to ensure it can support train services for years to come.

Engineers will also refurbish and replace track between Fratton and Portsmouth & Southsea, renew timber supports on railway bridges at Portsmouth Harbour and near Hilsea, and improve drainage at Fratton station.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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