Urgent work to see buses replace Hampshire trains

Engineers have discovered ground movement at an embankment near Bentley. Due to this, urgent work needs to take place to prevent further movement during the next bout of rain. This means that South Western Railway services will be disrupted on the 6th, 7th, and 8th November between Farnham and Alton. Engineers will be installing 10-metre-long metal sheet poles into the ground to help support the embankment, located in the Gravel Hill area (just over a mile from Bentley Station). These sheets effectively create an extra wall, preventing a landslip onto the railway, which would cause significant disruption. While trains are still able to run before the work, there will be a speed reduction in place, resulting in journeys taking longer than normal. When the work begins, buses will replace services between Farnham and Alton across all three days. Passengers should also be aware of planned engineering work on the 7th and 8th November in the Woking area, with trains only running between Alton and Guildford. Services will also run between Guildford and Farnham on the 7th and 8th, with a bus in place to complete journeys. Buses will be timed to allow for connecting services, but extra time should be allotted. Passengers are urged to check before they travel, with journey planners updating to reflect this alteration. “We’re very sorry for the short notice of these engineering works and the disruption that they may cause. While it is safe to run train services at a reduced speed, we need to carry out strengthening work to prevent any further ground movement at the embankment. “After we finish work on Sunday, we will remove the speed restriction currently in place and get trains running normally again, which will keep customers moving safely and reliably between Farnham and Alton. “We’re grateful for the patience of our customers, and those living near the railway in the Bentley area. There will be more work to come on this embankment next year, and we will of course keep customers and local residents updated.” Simon Milburn, South Western’s Chief Engineering and Technical Officer