Portsmouth Direct Upgrade

We’re upgrading signalling and track on the Portsmouth Direct line to improve reliability and safety of services between London and Portsmouth

Since early 2022, we’ve been delivering a major programme of upgrades on the Portsmouth Direct line. These improvements have been delivered in phases and are designed to provide a safer and more reliable service for everyone travelling on this route.

We’re now entering the final phase of this programme. To complete the work, rail services will be replaced by buses between Saturday 25 October and Sunday 2 November 2025, during the autumn half-term.

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What work is taking place and why?

The main focus of this final phase is the commissioning of the Farncombe to Petersfield (F2P) resignalling scheme. There will also be upgrades to nine level crossings and two footpaths.

As part of our work signalling control will be transferred to the Basingstoke Railway Operating Centre (ROC) and the 90 new signals and 17 new signalling equipment buildings that have been installed and constructed, will be tested during the line closure. Transferring to the ROC will enable faster and more efficient train management.

Between September and November, we’ll be upgrading nine level crossings to make them safer for all road users. We’re replacing manual level crossing operations with new technology including Obstacle Detection (OD) and CCTV control. These upgrades will result in slightly longer barrier downtimes but will significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries for pedestrians and drivers.

Why barrier down time is changing

Modern full-barrier level crossings with obstacle detection are designed to keep people and vehicles fully separated from trains. The way they work is different to older automatic half-barriers.

When a train approaches, the signaller confirms the crossing is clear, an audible alarm sounds, and the barriers lower after a short delay. While the barriers are down, obstacle-detection sensors continue scanning until the train has safely passed.

This safer mode of operation means barriers will be down for longer on average at some locations.

Location-by-location detail

We’ve modelled the average change in barrier down time at each upgraded crossing. Times are indicative and may vary with service patterns and time of day.

  • Farncombe West (GU7 3AD): no change (current avg ~3m 04s)
  • Farncombe East (GU7 3NQ): no change (current avg ~3m 06s)
  • Milford (GU8 5AD): increase of ~1m 48s (current avg ~1m 12s)
  • Liss Common (GU33 7BE): increase of ~2m 02s (current avg ~48s)
  • Liss (GU33 7AA): no change (current avg ~3m 53s)
  • Princes Bridge (GU33 7LU): increase of ~1m 38s (current avg ~1m 16s)
  • Sheet (GU32 2AT): increase of ~2m 23s (current avg ~44s)
  • Kings Fernsden (GU32 2HZ): increase of ~2m 24s (current avg ~42s)
  • Petersfield (GU32 3EE): small increase of ~6s (current avg ~3m 18s)

Future of signal boxes

As the new signalling system comes into use, control of the route will transfer to the Basingstoke Rail Operating Centre. Local signal boxes will have different futures:

  • Petersfield signal box will be retained for railway use.
  • Haslemere signal box will be transferred to community use.
  • Farncombe signal box will be demolished during commissioning to make space for new crossing equipment. To preserve local heritage, the Farncombe nameplate and signalling diagram will be relocated to Farncombe station.

The demolition decision was not taken lightly: the site is the only feasible location for the new machinery, offers the safest sighting of trains, reduces the risk of sun-glare for signallers, and allows lighting to be installed in a way that minimises the impact on neighbours.

Community drop-in session

We’re hosting a series of community drop-in sessions so local residents can find out more about the Portsmouth Direct Upgrade works, ask questions, and speak directly with members of our project team.

Next meeting:

  • Date: Thursday 11 September
  • Time: 18:00 – 20:00
  • Venue: The Wilfrid Noyce Centre, Godalming, GU7 1DY

Everyone is welcome to attend, and there’s no need to book in advance.

When is the work taking place?

The line between Guildford and Havant will be closed for signalling work from Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November 2025.

We will replace manual level crossing operations with new technology including Obstacle Level crossings with the closures as scheduled below:

  • Liss Common Level Crossing Closure: Saturday 27 September – Friday 24 October 2025
  • Kings Fernsden Level Crossing Closure: Saturday 4 – Friday 24 October 2025
  • Princes Bridge Level Crossing Closure: Saturday 11 October – Saturday 25 October 2025
  • Milford Level Crossing Closure: Saturday 18 October – Monday 3 November 2025
  • Petersfield Level Crossing Closure: Saturday 25 October – Sunday 2 November 2025 (nights only)
  • Liss Level Crossing Closure: Sunday 26 October – Monday 3 November 2025
  • Sheet Level Crossing Closure: Saturday 25 October – Monday 3 November 2025
  • Farncombe East Level Crossing Closure: Saturday 25 October – Sunday 2 November 2025 (nights only)
  • Farncombe West Level Crossing Closure: Saturday 25 October – Friday 14 November 2025

How will this work impact me and how will we be informed?

We’re committed to keeping passengers, residents and road users informed throughout our works. Updates will be regularly posted on this webpage.

Lineside neighbours closest to the works will receive letters in advance with full details of activity and any likely impacts. While some noise and disruption is expected, we will work hard to minimise this wherever possible.

During the line closure buses will replace South Western Railway services between Guildford and Havant. Services are below:

Saturday 25 October and Saturday 1 November

  • 3 buses per hour (bph) Guildford to Havant calling at Haslemere and Petersfield
  • 1 bph calling at Farncombe, Godalming, Haslemere and Petersfield
  • 1 bph calling at Farncombe, Godalming, Milford, Witley, Haslemere, *Liphook, *Liss, Petersfield and Rowlands Castle

*Please note: On Saturday 25 October only, this bus will not call at Liphook and Liss due to the Liphook Carnival. A separate shuttle will serve Haslemere – Liphook – Liss – Petersfield.

Sunday 26 October and Sunday 2 November

  • 2bph Guildford to Havant calling at Haslemere and Petersfield
  • 1bph calling at Farncombe, Godalming, Milford, Witley, Haslemere, Liphook, Liss, Petersfield and Rowlands Castle

Monday 27 October to Friday 31 October

  • 3bph Guildford to Havant calling at Haslemere and Petersfield
  • 1bph calling at Farncombe, Godalming, Haslemere and Petersfield
  • 1bph calling at Farncombe, Godalming, Milford, Witley, Haslemere, Liphook, Liss, Petersfield and Rowlands Castle

Passengers at all affected stations, will see signage and posters, and stations announcements will help guide onward travel. Level crossing users will be informed of closures and alternative routes via banners and roadside posters.

Check before you travel

Recent works

Contact us

To get in touch with us, please visit our contact us page or call our 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41.