Plans for new underground link between Southampton and Netley railway lines

If it goes ahead, the scheme would link Southampton Central and the Netley line providing a more direct route, cutting journey times between the city and Portsmouth.

It currently takes 42 minutes to travel between the two cities.

The potential new line has been included in consultation by Transport for the South East in a bid to support Southampton's growth and regeneration.

'30-minute rail journeys'

It would allow for four trains an hour between the cities, with a journey time of 30-35 minutes.

A mass transit plan for Southampton is also included, consisting of trams, light rail, buses and/or ferries.

Transport for the South East's outline case said: "TfSE has worked with key stakeholders to develop a longer-term package of scheme that unlock significant capacity and shorter journey times between Southampton and Portsmouth city centres.

"This could include a potential new underground link between Southampton Central and the Netley line providing a more direct route and deconflicting north-south and east-west rail movements."

The proposal is among several other plans, including improvements to Southampton Central.

'Flabbergasted'

But Nick Farthing, Director of Hampshire Community Rail Partnership, said: "I would suggest that's very ambitious and I can't see how they'll deliver that - I'm flabbergasted."

But Mr Farthing did welcome plans for the Fawley branch line to be opened to passenger rail ahead of £800m Fawley Waterside development.

'Ambitious'

Councillor Eamonn Keogh, Cabinet Member for Transport and District Regeneration at Southampton City Council, said: “TfSE’s plans are ambitious and would completely transform the way we all travel around the region.

“We are committed to establishing Southampton as a city of opportunity, where residents, workers and visitors can enjoy the many benefits that these plans would deliver.

“Investing in these plans would significantly reduce the air pollution caused by private cars, create thousands of new jobs that would enhance the local economy, and provide much easier and cleaner ways to travel for years to come.”

Other plans include a 'solution' to the Totton level crossing, allowing trains from Southampton to run on to under-served Totton.

The Botley line would be bolstered with twin tracks.

The replacement of Northam Rail Bridge, West Quay Road alignment and improved access to the port are all in the plans.

Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith said: “This is an ambitious proposal to fully utilise the opportunities our rail network offers.

"I’m particularly supportive of a metro level of rail service within Southampton and believe this would transform the way people travel around our city.”

'Risks to the environment'

Building an underground tunnel risks affecting the environment.

Transport for South East's own document warns: "The Southampton Tunnel proposals would cross in close proximity to the Solent and Southampton Water SPA and Ramsar, Chessel Bay LNR, Lee-On-The Solent to Itchen Estuary and River Itchen SSSIs.

"Careful design will be needed to ensure that infrastructure required for these options doesn’t result in degradation and disturbance of these significant sites and the unique habitats and species that reside within them."

The document added: "Railway and highway developments, particularly the construction of the Southampton Tunnel, will negatively affect elements of townscape character due to the associated impacts from additional lighting, street fixtures and maintenance equipment."

The £45bn for the south east is due to be spent over the next 27 years, with the hope it will lead to 21,000 new jobs in the transport industry alone.

A 12-week consultation on the plans running at transportforthesoutheast.org.uk closes on September 12.

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