Rail passengers in Portsmouth, Hampshire, will need to use replacement buses instead of trains later this month as engineers carry out essential work on the tracks. Network Rail will begin the next stage of signalling and track upgrades on the Portsmouth Direct Line starting Saturday 28 March 2026.
The work is expected to last for six days, finishing on Thursday 2 April 2026. During this time, train services will be suspended between Havant, Fareham, and Portsmouth Harbour to allow workers safe access to the line.
These improvements are part of a larger plan to modernise the railway and make it more reliable for people who use the local route. By updating the old signalling equipment and fixing the tracks now, the rail company aims to reduce the risk of future delays caused by aging infrastructure.
To keep people moving, rail replacement buses will run between the affected stations throughout the upgrade period. According to the Network Rail Media Centre, these bus services will help commuters reach their destinations while the rail lines are closed.
