Train journeys over Easter are likely to be affected by rail maintenance, in a move that is ‘better for the taxpayer.’
Network Rail will be performing track maintenance and upgrading tracks between Southampton Central and Fareham, affecting Great Western Railway services.
Train services will be impacted from Saturday, April 12, to Sunday, April 20.
Great Western Railway trains for Portsmouth Harbour will use an alternative route between Romsey and Fareham on all dates, replacing the stop at Southampton Central with one at Eastleigh.
On all dates, replacement bus services will run between Southampton Central and Fareham instead of trains.
South Western Rail trains will still run between Eastleigh and Southampton Central from Monday 14 to Saturday 19 April and between Romsey and Southampton Central on Saturday April 12 and Monday 14 to Saturday April 19.
Replacement buses will also run between Southampton Central and Eastleigh on the weekend of April 12 and 13 and Sunday, April 20.
Replacement buses are also planned between Southampton Central and Romsey on Sunday, 13 April and the weekend of April 19 and 20.
Further engineering work is planned in the Southampton area on Sunday, April 27.
Mark Goodall, Wessex Route Director for Network Rail, said:
"We understand that shutting down such a large stretch of railway along the south coast will cause disruptions, and we sincerely apologise to passengers for any inconvenience.
“Traditionally, the school holidays see fewer people using the railway, so it is better for the passenger and taxpayer to close the line to make these improvements over the course of nine days, rather than have several weekend closures.
“During this time, we encourage passengers to plan ahead and check before you travel.”
Jordan Welsby, GWR Station Manager for Westbury, said: “This improvement work forms part of an ongoing programme of investment, helping to ensure we continue to provide consistent and reliable services.
“GWR trains will continue to operate between Portsmouth Harbour and Bristol Temple Meads or Cardiff Central by using an alternative route instead.
“Replacement bus services will be provided when trains are not running to or from any stations affected.
“It’s important that customers are aware these alternative travel arrangements may make journey times much longer, so please plan ahead.”
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