Road and rail closures in Surrey and Hampshire as upgrades start

A series of rail and road closures began at the weekend which will affect train passengers and motorists between Guildford and Portsmouth.

Between September and November, nine level crossings will be upgraded to make them safer for all road users, said Network Rail.

It said technology, including obstacle detection and CCTV control, was being installed, allowing a signaller to check the crossing and lower the barriers when safe.

Mark Goodall, Wessex route director for Network Rail, said the closures were "essential to complete the vital upgrade of the Portsmouth direct line".