Network Rail is currently working with South West Trains (SWT) and the Department for Transport to deliver £800 million of investment into the Wessex Route through the Waterloo & South West Upgrade (W&SWU).
In order to deliver an additional 30% capacity at London Waterloo station, Network Rail needs to close platforms 1-9 at Waterloo from 5th to 28th August 2017 to carry out major works to extend platforms 1-4.
This will mean significantly fewer trains will run across the South Western rail network while the work is carried out.
On Thursday 26th January, a second phase of passenger communications began in order to provide detailed information to help passengers plan their travel arrangements well ahead of the summer, when fewer passengers tend to travel compared to other times of the year.
This includes an updated passenger leaflet, more posters and banners in stations across the Route, window stickers on SWT trains, as well as online, print and radio advertising to raise awareness and encourage passengers to plan ahead.
Network Rail have also organised a total of 61 leafleting and information sessions across the network, including at Winchester station. The events will run from Thursday 26th January to 15th February.
Steve Brine said: "It is important this we know about this work early, and I have been sent the draft information below on weekday train services to and from Waterloo per hour for SWT managed stations here in Winchester. Please do take a look, and pass this onto any friends or family who may be interested."
Winchester:
Morning peak - 5 current trains per hour to and from Waterloo; 3 trains per hour between 5-28 August 2017 (excluding 25 August).
Evening peak - 5 current trains per hour to and from Waterloo; 3 trains per hour between 5-28 August 2017 (excluding 25 August).
Off peak – 4 current trains per hour to and from Waterloo; 3 trains per hour between 5-28 August 2017 (excluding 25 August).
Micheldever:
Morning peak - 2 current trains per hour to and from Waterloo; 1 train per hour between 5-28 August 2017 (excluding 25 August).
Evening peak - 2 current trains per hour to and from Waterloo; 1 train per hour between 5-28 August 2017 (excluding 25 August).
Off peak – No change.
Shawford:
Morning peak – No change
Evening peak - 2 current trains per hour to and from Waterloo; 1 train per hour between 5-28 August 2017 (excluding 25 August).
Off peak – No change.
Information regarding Chandler's Ford station is still to be released.
Steve Brine added: "At the other end, I know that during the works at Waterloo in August, Network Rail will be temporarily re-opening platforms 20-24 in the former Waterloo International Terminal, which is to provide increased capacity at the station when platforms 1-9 are closed."
More information ...
Find out more about Steve's work on our rail service via his dedicated mini-site http://www.stevebrine.com/trains
