Petersfield to Havant February Half Term Works
This February half-term we’re making essential improvements on the Portsmouth Direct Line to keep trains running smoothly and reliably
Different parts of the route will be closed on different days between Saturday 14 and Sunday 22 February 2026, and buses will replace trains while the line is closed. Doing this work during half-term, when passenger numbers are lower, means less disruption overall.
What work is taking place?
We’re using the half-term period to get a lot of important work done in one go. That includes improving drainage, strengthening the ground under the track, cutting back vegetation and checking signaling and electrical equipment. Doing all of this at the same time helps us avoid multiple weekend closures later in the year.
Petersfield to Havant (14–22 February)
This stretch of the line is closed for the entire half-term period while most of the work takes place. We’ll be improving drainage, reinforcing the ground beneath the track and clearing vegetation along the route. These activities make the line more reliable in bad weather and help to prevent faults that cause delays.
Petersfield to Portsmouth Harbour (14–15 February)
At the start of the half-term week, we’ll use the weekend to look after the southern end of the line. This includes work on the approaches into Portsmouth, such as improving the track and tidying the lineside, so trains can run more smoothly in and out of the city once services resume.
Guildford to Havant (21–22 February)
Towards the end of our works attention shifts to the northern end of the route. Here we’ll be carrying out inspection and maintenance work between Guildford, Haslemere and Liphook to keep this busy stretch in good condition and help prevent problems later in the year.
How will this work affect me?
- 14–15 February: Petersfield to Portsmouth Harbour
- 14–22 February: Petersfield to Havant
- 21–22 February: Guildford to Havant
Between 14 and 22 February there will be no train services between Petersfield and Havant on any day; this section of the line is closed throughout the half-term period. During the closures, buses replace trains on the parts of the route that are shut. Journeys may take longer than usual, so please check before you travel and allow extra time.
Why is the work needed?
The Portsmouth Direct Line runs through areas that are prone to heavy rain, leaf-fall and ground movement. Looking after drainage, the track bed and nearby vegetation helps prevent the issues that can lead to disruption, especially during bad weather. Doing this work in one half-term window reduces the need for repeated closures and keeps the line in better shape for the months ahead.
Staying informed
You can plan your journey using National Rail Enquiries or at southwesternrailway.com. Lineside neighbours will receive information ahead of the work, and updates will be shared through Network Rail and South Western Railway channels as we get closer to February.