Network Rail has announced proposals to reintroduce train services on the Waterside Line, also known as the Fawley branch line.
The plans aim to restore passenger services from Southampton to Marchwood with an additional station in Hythe.
In recent years the Waterside communities have grown substantially leading to increasing congestion on roads including the A326 that links the area to Southampton.
With 1,500 additional new homes coming to Fawley providing 2,500 new jobs, the area will require considerable transport discussions.
Network Rail believes reintroducing these passenger services could “strengthen and improve transport links to the Waterside communities, support their growth, provide a more sustainable mode of transport and support government and industry objectives.”
Reintroducing passenger services on the Waterside Line would strengthen and improve transport links to Waterside communities, support their growth, provide a more sustainable mode of transport and support government and industry objectives.
Network Rail
Network Rail states regular passenger services could help alleviate road congestion and the “more sustainable” alternative to cars could help the environment.
The line was closed in 1966 after 40 years of use but remained open to freight trains travelling to Fawley oil refinery until 2016 and other freight services today.
In February 2020, the Department for Transport launched a £500 million initiative “Restoring Your Railway” to begin reopening lines and stations.
Hampshire County Council’s funding application was successful and the Department for Transport confirmed their contribution.
South Western Railway then ran a ‘fact finding’ train, the first passenger-carrying service on the line for 54 years to investigate the potential reopening of the Waterside Line.
The positive outcome of the feasibility study saw the Department for Transport contribute a further £6 million of funding in October 2021.
Funds are currently being used to develop a final business case and continuing development of the proposals.
Public forums will take place through August and September for local residents to share their thoughts on the railway plans at:
- Wednesday 10 August, 16:00-20:00:St. Anne’s Neighbourhood Centre, Hythe
- Thursday 11 August, 17:00-21:00: Marchwood Junior School
- Friday 12 August, 14:30-18:30:Totton and Eling Community Centre – Plant Room
- Saturday 13 August, 10:00-14:00: Hythe and Dibden Parish Hall
- Monday 15 August, 14:00-18:00: The Jubilee Hall, Fawley
- Monday 5 September, 18:00-22:00: Marchwood Junior School
- Tuesday 6 September, 16:00-20:00: Hythe and Dibden Parish Hall
- Thursday 8 September, 14:00-18:00: Totton and Eling Community Centre – Plant Room
- Friday 9 September, 10:00-14:00: The Jubilee Hall, Fawley
Network Rail’s proposals are subject to a positive review of their business case and are determining any changes required such as track, signals and level crossings.
For more information on the proposed plans go to the Network Rail website here.
New Forest Business News will be in attendance at the public forums and keep readers updated on the proposed railway line plans.
Are you a local business with an opinion on the proposed Waterside Line plans? We’d love to hear from you…
Email us at editor@newforestbusinessnews.co.uk.
