Rail replacement buses will be running on multiple routes, so travellers are advised to check their journeys in advance and allow extra time.
Salisbury to Southampton Central – February 22-23, 2025
Anyone heading between Salisbury and Southampton Central will need to use replacement bus services, as engineering work between Warminster and Southampton means all lines will be closed.
- Great Western Railway (GWR): Buses will run hourly between Warminster, Salisbury, and Southampton Central.
- South Western Railway (SWR): Buses will replace trains between Salisbury and Southampton Central via Redbridge and between Romsey and Southampton Central via Eastleigh.
Bournemouth to Poole/Wareham – February 22-23, 2025
Work between Bournemouth and Poole/Wareham will mean:
- On Saturday, buses replace trains between Bournemouth and Poole.
- On Sunday, buses replace trains between Bournemouth and Wareham.
Salisbury/Gillingham to Yeovil Junction – February 22-28, 2025
Passengers on the West of England Line between London Waterloo and Exeter St Davids will face changes due to embankment repair work near Gillingham.
- On Saturday, trains will be diverted via Westbury, increasing journey times, while buses replace trains between Gillingham and Yeovil Junction.
- On Sunday, trains will terminate at Salisbury, with buses running between Salisbury and Yeovil Junction.
- From Monday to Friday, the same diversions will apply, with buses continuing to run between Gillingham and Yeovil Junction.
Network Rail says the work is needed to improve reliability, with embankment stabilisation, track drainage improvements, and vegetation clearance taking place over the week.
Guildford to Haslemere – February 23, 2025
Anyone travelling between London Waterloo and Portsmouth Harbour should be aware that all lines between Guildford and Haslemere will be closed on Sunday due to engineering works. Rail replacement buses will run all day.
New Malden to Shepperton/Twickenham – February 23, 2025
More changes will affect passengers travelling between New Malden and Twickenham, with buses replacing trains on the following routes:
- New Malden to Shepperton
- New Malden to Twickenham
Additionally, some train services will be altered:
- London Waterloo to Shepperton: Trains will run to and from Hampton Court instead, calling at Surbiton.
- London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside: Services will follow a revised timetable, stopping at North Sheen, Richmond, St Margarets, Twickenham, and Whitton.
- London Waterloo to Kingston via Hounslow: Services will only operate between London Waterloo and Hounslow.
What Passengers Need to Know
SWR and GWR are urging passengers to check the National Rail Enquiries Journey Planner before setting out and to allow extra time for travel. Rail replacement buses are expected to be busier than usual, so be prepared for longer journey times.
If you need assistance or accessibility information, check station signage or visit the rail operators’ websites for further details.
Despite the inconvenience, Network Rail insists the work is essential to improve long-term reliability and reduce future delays.
