Network Rail has announced the completion of a 320 million GBP signalling upgrade between Farncombe and Petersfield – marking the end of one of the most significant investments made on the Portsmouth Direct Line to date.

The modernisation of the section of line has seen a transfer of control from several older signal boxes to the Basingstoke Rail Operating Centre (ROC), which is also celebrating its 10th anniversary.

First opened in November 2015; the ROC now manages signalling on services between Farncombe and Petersfield as part of an extension of its roles across the Wessex route.

Works were carried out over a nine-day period in which the line was closed between Guildford and Havant, with services now having resumed. Engineers tested 90 new signals, and brought 17 new signalling equipment buildings into use.

Nine level crossings were also upgraded along the route, with the final site at Farncombe West due to be complete on 13 November.

Additional works include the installation of new obstacle-detection and CCTV technology to improve safety for road users and improvements on two foothpath crossings.

Since early 2022, we’ve been delivering a major programme of upgrades along the Portsmouth Direct Line. This £320 million investment brings the route firmly into the modern era, with new signalling and safer level crossings that will make journeys more reliable and reduce the need for future closures.

We’d like to thank passengers for their patience while this long-term work was completed to improve journeys between Portsmouth and London.