A fire at a substation between Hinton Admiral and New Milton in Hampshire on 7 July 2026 caused extensive damage to the electrical equipment supplying the third rail, leading to an initial closure and ongoing disruption on the railway line at the edge of the New Forest.
Damage and Repair Work
South Western Railway reported significant harm to the substation building and associated electrical infrastructure. Repair efforts include making the facility safe, commissioning new equipment, and upgrading the power control system between New Milton and Eastleigh. These works are expected to take several months to complete.
Timetable Changes and Power Restrictions
Train services on routes including those running between
London Waterloo and Weymouth have been rescheduled since 3 August 2026. Journeys now feature altered stops and extended travel times. Due to the fire damage, alternative power supplies are currently in use, necessitating restrictions on electrical power for safety.
South Western Railway explained that power limitations reduce the number of trains that can operate simultaneously in the affected section. Despite this, services continue to run under these constraints to maintain as much normal service as possible.
Passengers should anticipate longer journeys, modified stopping patterns, and timetable changes until further notice. The operator advises travelers to consult updated schedules due to
ongoing delays and cancellations.
“We are still able to run trains by using alternative power supplies, but for safety reasons, the amount of power must be restricted,” South Western Railway stated.
