RAIL passengers are facing disruption today following a "signalling problem".

All lines between Weymouth and Brockenhurst were blocked earlier today.  The lines have now reopened, however, passengers are facing severe disruption.  Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised.

Disruption is expected until the end of the day.  A tree on the line at Branksome is also causing problems for passengers. 

South Western Railway said:"We were informed of a signalling failure in the Bournemouth area which affected all signals in the area.This meant that all lines from Brockenhurst to Weymouth were blocked.

"The signalling problem has now been fixed but there is currently a tree on the line at Branksome meaning that the line between Weymouth and Bournemouth remains blocked.

"Due to the length of time that the line was blocked there will continue to be delays due to the displacement of train stock. We are working to get the train service back to schedule, this means that we may be required to terminate and start trains away from their booked station."

A spokesperson said trains may be required to start at and terminate at Bournemouth.

They added: "We have replacement buses between Bournemouth and Weymouth calling at all stations (in both directions). These buses will not be following any timetables."

Tickets will be accepted, at no extra cost, on the following services:

  • Great Western Railway between Weymouth, Upwey, Dorchester West and Salisbury. Please change at Salisbury for onward South Western Railway services towards Basingstoke, Woking, Clapham Junction and London Waterloo. You can change at Basingstoke for stations towards Brockenhurst.
  • Cross Country trains between Bournemouth and Reading
  • Southern Railway between Southampton Central and Havant. You can change at Havant for trains towards Guildford, Woking, Clapham Junction and London Waterloo.
  • Yellow Buses in the Bournemouth area (routes 1, 1a, 1b, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)