A busy level crossing on the A337 in Hampshire will be closed for two weekends in April to allow worn-out track to be replaced by Network Rail.
Signed diversions will be in place between 00:01 Saturday 10 April to 12:00 Sunday 11 April 2021 and 00:30 Sunday 25 April to 05:00 Monday 26 April while the A337 is closed.
Passengers, neighbours and local businesses are being advised to plan ahead and check for diversions when using the A337 over the weekends of 10 and 25 April. This is particularly important for people visiting Lymington for a COVID vaccination, as the diversionary route will add some time to their journeys.
This essential work is needed to improve the track quality through the area. As the track has aged, speed restrictions have had to be put in place to keep passengers safe and the time has come to rebuild the line and get trains running back at higher speed. The work consists of removing and replacing the sleepers, rails and ballast stones, and the road over the level crossing has to be closed while that section is also improved.
Mark Killick, route director for Network Rail Wessex, said: “Working on level crossings over main roads is always a challenge for us and our neighbours and we only do it when we really have to. Replacing old, worn-out track is really important for the railway in the area, which we anticipate will soon be busy carrying people to the New Forest again, and we need to get this work done as soon as we can.
“So, I’d like to say thank you to everyone in advance for their patience and I would urge passengers and motorists in the area to check before they travel as there will be an impact on their journeys.”
Bus replacement services will be in operation when trains are not running.
Motorists are being advised of diversions which will take them via a locally signed route through Brockenhurst. For HGVs there is an alternative signed route via Lymington, Beaulieu, Dibden Purlieu, Ashurst, Lyndhurst. The diversion will be in place between 00:01 Saturday 10 April to 12:00 Sunday 11 April 2021 and 00:30 Sunday 25 April to 05:00 Monday 26 April.
Although there will be no pedestrian access across the level crossing at any time during the full closure of the level crossing the station footbridge will remain open throughout the works.
Passengers or road-users with questions or concerns are advised to contact the Network Rail 24-hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41 quoting ‘Information request Brockenhurst Station Track Refurbishment (level crossing closure).
Photo credit: Network Rail
