The Lymington branch line, which runs from Brockenhurst to Lymington Pier, will be closing for seven weeks as essential works take place from 30 September 2007 to 18 November 2007 inclusive.

Buses will replace trains as the Environment Agency undertakes major flood defence work between Lymington Town and Lymington Pier. Passengers connecting with the Lymington to Yarmouth ferries will need to allow extra time as the bus service takes slightly longer than the train service.

The half hourly special bus service will operate between Lymington Pier and Brockenhurst, also calling at Lymington Town at the following times:

On Monday – Friday the bus will depart Lymington Pier at 10 and 40 past the hour to arrive at Brockenhurst at 26 and 56 past the hour.

Chris Haresign, our Area Manager, said: “There is no ideal time to do this work but the work that is done during this temporary closure will bring long lasting benefit to everyone who uses the line. The river has a history of flooding and the barriers will prevent flooding onto the railway and at the level crossing as well as into residential properties. We hope that passengers will be patient whilst the Environment Agency undertakes this work and I can assure all passengers that we will be working as hard as possible to get them where they want to be during this time.”

Although connections will generally be maintained, there are occasions where it will not be possible and passengers to and from the Isle of Wight may have journeys extended by half an hour.