Southsea Railway
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The Southsea Railway was a branch of the Portsmouth Direct Line, located in Portsmouth. It was opened in 1885 from Fratton Station, terminating at East Southsea Station (near to a road junction called The Strand). It was 1.25 miles long[1] and almost completely level. Two unstaffed halts were added in 1904 at Albert Road and Jessie Road/Devonshire Avenue.[2]
Tram competition
The line was not able to compete with the Portsmouth Corporation Transport tram services, despite the introduction of cheaper autocars.[3] It was closed in August 1914 and never re-opened.
The route today
The line itself and the stations have since been demolished and replaced with houses and roads; however, it is possible to walk the approximate route, which is clearly visible on street maps of the area.[4]
Alternative stations
Southsea is now served by stations at Fratton, Portsmouth & Southsea, and Portsmouth Harbour (also called The Hard), with regular trains to London Waterloo and coastway services.[5]
Gallery
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P1260SSRB.JPG
The train departed from the left platform
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before curving round behind Francis Avenue.
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until it approached the terminus just north of Granada Road.
References
- ↑ Portsmouth Guide – the Southsea Railway
- ↑ "The Southsea Railway" Robertson,K: Southampton, Kingfisher, 1985 ISBN 0-946184-16-X
- ↑ History of GWR railmotors and autocoaches – Notes how the Southsea railmotor was borrowed for trials by the GWR
- ↑ Robertson(Ibid)
- ↑ ”Woking to Portsmouth” Mitchell,V/Smith,K: Midhurst, Middleton Press,1984 ISBN 978-0-906520-25-3 OCLC 60024110
