We’re upgrading the railway in the Basingstoke area, so services are more reliable and journeys by train are smoother.
What work is taking place?
Over the next 8 weeks we’re introducing two new switches & crossing (the moveable sections of track that guide trains from one track to another) at Great Western Junction. We are also laying new track, improving the geometry of the junction (which will reduce the need for maintenance), doing earthworks, and tamping, which is the process of compacting the ballast (the stones that support the track).
We are also building 2 new location cases to house the switch equipment. Will introduce a new method of isolating the track to protect our staff and renewing life expired components, rail, sleepers and ballast bringing them all up to modern specifications.
When is the work taking place?
We have three upcoming closures over the next bank holiday weekends:
- Saturday 29 April to Monday 1 May (Early May Bank Holiday)
- Sunday 7 May (Coronation Bank Holiday)
- Sunday 27 to Monday 29 May (Late May Bank Holiday)
How will this work affect me?
Over the Bank Holiday closures, rail replacement buses will be running from:
- Woking to Winchester and Andover
Check before you travel
For full details of rail replacement buses and service disruption, please visit:
Further works as part of this project will be carried out in the future and details will be announced once they’re available. Please check back for updates.
Why is the work needed?
Over the course of the project, we will spend over 5000 hours on modernising the railway in the Basingstoke area.
There has been historical problems at Basingstoke junction which has impacted on reliability of the service we deliver. By bringing the railway up to modern standards with the introduction of new equipment our passengers will experience smoother journey and a more reliable service. Maintenance requirements on this part of the track will be significantly reduced.
Project in numbers
- The project will be completed in early summer 2023 and cost £3.3m.
- We are using 10 engineering trains to bring in all the equipment we need to renew the track; railway track panels, ballast and specialist rails required to deliver the job. As well as this we use the engineering trains to remove the old track.
- 2 tampers will be deployed to compact the ballast along the closed railway
- A rail mounted Kirow train (a crane capable of lifting 125 tons) will be used to lift and install track panels precisely.
- We will be using road rail machinery which weighs 32 tons to install the assembly. Using a variety of rail machinery to remove the old track and formation and to install the new track. Providing lifting and digging capability to the project.
I have a question about the project – how can I get in touch?
For more information or to get in touch with us, please contact us by visiting our contact us page or by calling our 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41.