PASSENGERS are being warned that no trains will run between Southampton and Winchester via Eastleigh this weekend.

It follows an incident in January in which a freight train was derailed at Eastleigh station, resulting in six days of emergency repairs to the track.

Temporary points installed after the incident will be replaced by permanent ones on Saturday and Sunday, with additional work taking place on August 2.

Passengers are being urged to check before they travel as buses will replace trains between Winchester and Southampton Central, Winchester and Fareham, and Southampton Central and Salisbury via Eastleigh.

The work will affect South Western Railway (SWR), CrossCountry and GWR services.

Mark Killick, route director for Network Rail Wessex, said: “I am sorry for the disruption this will cause passengers this weekend, however the work we’re doing is vital to keep trains running reliably through Eastleigh.

“I would advise passengers to check your journey before leaving home, and to travel safely and wear a face covering.”

Alan Penlington, customer experience director for South Western Railway, said, “Whilst these works will be disruptive, they are essential for our railway.

“If you are travelling on these dates, we’d ask that you check before you travel and follow the latest guidance on social distancing and face coverings so you can travel safely.”

An hourly South Western Railway (SWR) service will run between London Waterloo and Winchester

SWR services between London Waterloo and Weymouth will be diverted, calling additionally at Guildford, Havant and Fareham – on Sunday 26 July and Sunday 2 August, these trains will depart London Waterloo earlier than normal

The SWR stopping service from Romsey to Salisbury via Southampton will only run between Southampton Central and Salisbury.