Otherwise known as the Totton to Fawley line, it’s very sad to see the condition of the line now that trains are no longer using it, south of Marchwood.

I often get asked about it. It hasn’t been used for regular passenger services since the 1960’s and Exxon (the operators of Fawley Oil refinery) ceased using it to transport oil ten years ago and have no intention of using it in the future.

As far as I am aware no organisation has ever declared it formally abandoned but this photo (that I took at Hythe) shows a typical section of the line as it looks today.

Network Rail are the Infrastructure Managers and it seems they have decided not to maintain it to the same level as they would used lines. However, they still have Health & Safety responsibilities and have done minimal work, mainly at the crossing points.

There is no general requirement to keep a railways looking tidy. However, I understand there is a risk based inspection that means looking out for any hazards that might arise and need dealing with (such as falling trees).

For the mainline railway, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is the principal safety regulator. It can investigate and take enforcement action where railway health-and-safety duties aren’t being met.

Presently, the ORR is still considering an amended proposal from Grand Union Trains to run a passenger service that would use the line, but only, initially, the well maintained section to Marchwood.

Beyond that, some Mayoral candidates have expressed an interest in using new powers and finance that might be available for transport projects to restore the line, perhaps as far south as Hardley.

Another interesting idea is to remove the track and use the route for walking and cycling purposes. I can see a lot of merit in this proposal although it would likely mean the the loss of the line forever for rail passenger services.

At the moment, I can best describe it all in airline terms… we are in a holding pattern…. to see what happens with the ORR decision expected later this year and then Local Government Reorganisation and a new Mayor who may (or may not) want to support restoration of the rail passenger service or choose to consult the public on that option or an active travel route.

Of course, it is possible we could get a decision that allows a train service to Marchwood, that doesn’t affect the line south of Marchwood. Although, Grand Union Trains have said they are interested in extending the service further south. Estimates of the cost vary greatly but it would certainly be a lot less expensive than the partial widening of the A326.