A HAMPSHIRE rail route will be closed until Sunday for essential maintenance work.

The line linking Fareham and Eastleigh shut on Saturday to enable engineers to stabilise a cutting between Botley and Fareham.

A Network rail spokesperson said: "The cutting has experienced a number of failures in recent years.

"In 2016, Storm Frank’s extreme weather meant we had to make temporary repairs and it now needs a permanent fix to keep trains running safely.

"Engineers will install retaining walls and regrade the slope of the cutting.

"Making the most of the closure, we’ll also carry out routine track and signalling maintenance, plus inspections on structures and drainage systems in the area.

"Buses will replace South Western Railway services between Eastleigh and Fareham throughout the closure, while services between London Waterloo and Portsmouth Harbour via Basingstoke will start and terminate at Eastleigh and Fareham.

"On Sunday July 3 Great Western Railway services will be diverted via Netley. Some Southern services via Botley will be diverted via Netley and Swanwick."

Meanwhile, the ticket office at Southampton Central station will be operating a reduced timetable.

It will be open from 6am to 6pm Monday to Saturday, and from 7.15am to 6pm on Sundays.