Petersfield to Havant February Half Term Works

This February half-term we made essential improvements on the Portsmouth Direct Line to keep trains running smoothly and reliably

Different parts of the route were closed on different days between Saturday 14 and Sunday 22 February 2026, and buses replaced trains while the line was closed. Carrying out this work during half-term, when passenger numbers were lower, meant less disruption overall.

What work was taking place?

We used the half-term period to get a lot of important work done in one go. This included improving drainage, strengthening the ground under the track, cutting back vegetation and checking signalling and electrical equipment. Doing all of this at the same time helped us avoid multiple weekend closures later in the year.

Petersfield to Havant (14–22 February)

This stretch of the line was closed for the entire half-term period while most of the work took place. We improved drainage, reinforced the ground beneath the track and cleared vegetation along the route. These activities made the line more reliable in bad weather and helped to prevent faults that caused delays.

Petersfield to Portsmouth Harbour (14–15 February)

At the start of the half-term week, we used the weekend to look after the southern end of the line. This included work on the approaches into Portsmouth, such as improving the track and tidying the lineside, so trains could run more smoothly in and out of the city once services resumed.

Guildford to Havant (21–22 February)

Towards the end of our works, attention shifted to the northern end of the route. Here we carried 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.

Why was the work needed?

The Portsmouth Direct Line ran through areas that were prone to heavy rain, leaf-fall and ground movement. Looking after drainage, the track bed and nearby vegetation helped prevent the issues that could lead to disruption, especially during bad weather. Doing this work in one half-term window reduced the need for repeated closures and kept the line in better shape for the months ahead.