Upcoming Line Closure on the Portsmouth Direct Line – 14 to 22 February 2026

Dear Stakeholder,

Reminder – Upcoming Line Closure on the Portsmouth Direct Line – 14th to 22nd February 2026

We are writing to remind you that railway engineers will be completing essential engineering work this February half term on the Portsmouth Direct Line.

Engineers will be working on the railway between Petersfield and Havant, with additional impacts to services to and from Portsmouth Harbour and Guildford on alternative weekends.

What work is taking place?

The February closure will allow Network Rail to deliver a coordinated programme of essential work, including:

• drainage improvements to help protect the railway from flooding
• track renewals to maintain a smooth and reliable journey
• signalling, power and telecoms work to support the safe operation of the route
• follow-up activity after the commissioning of the Farncombe to Petersfield signalling upgrade

How journeys will be affected.  Throughout the closure:

• the railway will be closed between Petersfield and Havant from Saturday 14 to Sunday 22 February.
• the closure extends between Havant and Portsmouth Harbour on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 February only).
• services will not run between Guildford and Havant from Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 February.

During these dates buses will replace trains between these stations and journey times may be longer than usual.

Further work planned

Following the completion of the February half-term works between Petersfield and Havant, Network Rail will return in Spring to continue planned improvements to key parts of the railway in the Portsmouth area. Further details will follow in due course.

These works form part of ongoing investment to keep the Portsmouth Direct Line safe and reliable for passengers.

Passengers are advised to plan ahead and check the latest travel advice before travelling here.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with South Western Railway and Network Rail