Media centre

Tuesday 4 Oct 2005

£50 MILLION RAIL PROJECT SIGNALS THE WAY FORWARD FOR PORTSMOUTH

Region & Route:

| Southern: Wessex

| Southern

The first phase of a £50 million project to completely overhaul the railway signalling equipment in the Portsmouth area will begin this weekend, bringing passengers improved levels of reliability and reducing delays. The project will be carried out in three phases over the next two years and will install a completely new signalling system on the railway stretching from Portsmouth to Petersfield and Bedhampton to Portchester. In total, the scheme will see more than 50 miles of track re-signalled; platform extensions at Cosham, Bedhampton, and Fratton stations; four level crossings upgraded; and more than 4500 yards of track replaced. Network Rail Route Director David Pape said: “Some of the signalling equipment in the Portsmouth area is over 30 years old so this massive investment is essential to bring this part of the railway in-line with modern use. The first phase of this huge project is an important stepping stone towards improving performance for passengers and ensuring the future of this important route.” Work on the first phase of the project starts on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 October and will continue across three weekends until mid November. These first stages of the work will see some 50 people working on site each weekend to renew essential track components and prime the railway for the state-of-the-art new signalling systems that will be fitted as the project progresses. The second phase of the project is due to start in February next year, and the programme will be completed with the third and final phase of work in late 2006 / early 2007. The details about the first phase of the work and the effect on train services are as follows:

• Saturday 8 October & Sunday 9 October

The line between Petersfield and Portsmouth Harbour will be closed to allow engineers carry out track foundation work and renew essential track components. A bus replacement service will operate from Chichester to Portsmouth Harbour and Cosham, and between Portsmouth Harbour and Petersfield      

• Saturday 29 October & Sunday 30 October

The line between Haslemere and Portsmouth Harbour will be closed to allow engineers to continue renewing track components. A bus replacement service will operate between Haslemere and Portsmouth, and from Chichester to Portsmouth Harbour and Cosham

• Saturday 5 November & Sunday 6 November

The lines from Cosham to Chichester and Cosham to Petersfield will be closed to allow engineers to install new track equipment. A bus replacement service will operate from Chichester to Portsmouth Harbour and Cosham, and between Portsmouth Harbour and Petersfield

• Saturday 12 November & Sunday 13 November

The line between Haslemere and Portsmouth Harbour will be closed to allow engineers to finish work on renewing track components and prepare the railway for the next phase of improvements due next year. A bus replacement service will operate between Haslemere and Portsmouth, and from Chichester to Portsmouth Harbour and Cosham For further travel advice, passengers are advised to consult the South West Trains and Southern Railway websites (www.southwesttrains.co.uk and www.southernrailway.com). Alternative travel arrangements are also available from National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 or www.nationalrail.co.uk. Leaflets containing full details of the project will be delivered to local residents prior to the start of the work. Information posters at local stations will also give details of the revised train timetable, as well as alternative routes and replacement bus services. The work has been planned following full consultation with local councils and stakeholder groups.