Train passengers in Portsmouth should prepare for disruption during the upcoming May half-term, as Network Rail and South Western Railway carry out essential upgrades on the Portsmouth Direct Line. From Monday 25 May to Friday 29 May 2026, buses will replace trains between Havant, Fareham, and Portsmouth Harbour while engineers complete critical maintenance.
The work is part of a broader £120 million investment project aimed at replacing ageing equipment that has caused significant travel issues. Over the past year alone, signalling failures have resulted in more than 18,500 minutes of delays for commuters. The long-term programme is expected to be finished in 2028, at which point signalling control for the area will move to the Basingstoke Rail Operating Centre.
During the five-day closure, travellers will see a replacement bus service in operation. Five buses per hour will run between Havant and Portsmouth Harbour, stopping at Bedhampton, Hilsea, Fratton, and Portsmouth & Southsea. Additionally, two buses per hour will operate between Fareham and Portsmouth Harbour, serving Portchester, Cosham, Hilsea, Fratton, and Portsmouth & Southsea.
Engineers are set to complete approximately 1,660 hours of work during the holiday period. This includes strengthening two bridges between Fratton and Portsmouth Harbour, refurbishing the footbridge at Fratton station, and cleaning the glass on the high-level platforms at Portsmouth & Southsea. Work will also take place on the Portcreek Viaduct, which connects the mainland with the Isle of Portsea, where crews will replace 18 track support blocks with more durable materials designed to last up to 50 years.
This project follows the completion of a £129 million signalling upgrade between Farncombe and Petersfield in 2025. Further works on the Portsmouth Direct Line are already being planned, with engineers expected to return in October 2026 and February 2027.
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