Passengers using the Weymouth-Waterloo line this Christmas are being urged to plan ahead as a multi-million pound project to improve the railway is delivered. 

Major engineering work is set to take place at Southampton from December 24 until January 1.

Network Rail will carry out track engineering work at Mount Pleasant Road next to the River Itchen as part of an £8 million investment to renew railway infrastructure in Southampton.

South Western Railway has said there will be “significant alterations” to services, with journeys between London, Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth affected. 

Chris Loder, head of service strategy for South Western Railway, said: “We encourage passengers to avoid travelling on Christmas Eve if they can and to be prepared for longer journey times between Christmas and New Year. 

“We’re doing all we can to minimise disruption and make sure we get all our passengers to their destination over the festive period. Please check before travelling, either online or at one of our stations.”

Journeys on Sunday, December 10 and Sunday, December 17 will also be affected by the work and SWR is advising passengers to check times and travel arrangements in advance.

Becky Lumlock, Network Rail’s route managing director, said: “We’re investing £8 million to give our passengers in and out of Southampton more reliable journeys. The new tracks will also mean less noise for our neighbours.

“We thank people for their patience in advance and apologise for the disruption this will cause.”