RAIL passengers travelling on the line between Alton and Farnham have been forced to swap the train for the bus this week as workers strengthen the embankment and the track.

Work began on Tuesday and is expected to end on Saturday (October 27).

“Due to the exceptionally dry summer, resulting in the lowest soil moisture levels on record, the clay embankment has dried out and shrunk, reducing stability of the track,” said a spokesman for Network Rail.

For the safety of passengers, the decision was taken to introduce a 30mph speed restriction at Bentley and a 50mph speed restriction on the single line between Farnham and Alton.

While this has caused frustration among passengers who are currently experiencing extended journey times of up to 90 minutes compared with the advertised off-peak scheduled times of 74 minutes (67 minutes where there is a station stop at Bentley), the work is said to be essential if trains are to be allowed to travel through the section at the normal speed.

According to South Western Railway, alternative arrangements have been made for passengers travelling between Alton and Farnham.

“During the works, a rail replacement bus service will be provided between Alton and Farnham. At Bentley, pick-up points have been arranged outside The Star Inn for the service to Farnham, and opposite Bentley Memorial Hall for the service to Alton,” a spokesman said.

In its statement, Network Rail says that having completed the work it would expect the speed restriction on this section of the track to be removed on November 26.

The problems on the Alton to Farnham line coincide with a week of industrial action as RMT workers continue to strike over the role of guards on South Western Railway trains.

With the current strike running until Saturday, South Western Railway is planning to provide two thirds of normal services, with around half of normal services expected to operate on the Saturday.

Rail replacement services and ticket acceptance on other bus and rail networks have been organised.

A South Western Railway spokesman said: “The RMT is cynically targeting hard-working commuters, families trying to enjoy the half-term holidays and sports fans with its latest strike dates.

“We have guaranteed a guard to be rostered on every single service, and our growth plans mean more guards, not fewer.

“It is time for the union to stop spreading myths and causing misery and commit to resolving this dispute. If the union decides to continue with its unnecessary action, we will do everything we can to keep our customers moving.”