Urgent engineering work between Farnham and Alton this weekend
Train services replaced by buses due to safety work
Train services between Farnham and Alton will be replaced by buses from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th November due to urgent engineering work near Bentley.
Ground movement has been detected at a railway embankment in the Gravel Hill area, prompting engineers to strengthen the embankment with 10-metre-long metal sheet piles.
The engineering activity aims to ensure train safety and reliability, requiring trains to run between Farnham and Alton at reduced speeds until the work is completed.
Additional engineering work is already scheduled in the Woking area during the same weekend, further altering service as buses replace routes between Farnham and Alton, running only between Guildford and Farnham with connections to Alton.
Simon Milburn, South Western’s Chief Engineering and Technical Officer, expressed regret for the short notice and potential disruption, saying, "We’re very sorry for the short notice of these engineering works and the disruption that they may cause."
Milburn also assured customers that upon completion, normal train operations will resume, safeguarding reliable travel between Farnham and Alton.
The forthcoming work on this embankment is part of a broader improvement plan scheduled for 2027.
Journey planners will be updated promptly, and passengers are advised to check the South Western Railway website for real-time updates.