The Lymington branch line is a railway that runs from Brockenhurst to Lymington in the New Forest, England. The line is around long, and is single track throughout its length. It diverges from the South West Main Line at Lymington Junction. At Lymington Pier, trains connect with Wightlink ferry services to Yarmouth, Isle of Wight. The Lymington branch line is electrified using the 750 V DC third-rail system. The line was opened as far as Lymington in 1858. The London and South Western Railway bought out the local company in 1879, and in 1884 the LSWR opened a short extension of the line to Lymington Pier. The economy of Lymington had been in decline but the local economy improved in the twentieth century. The line was electrified in 1967. A half-hourly shuttle passenger service operates at present (2023). History First attempt The Southampton and Dorchester Railway opened its main line in 1847; from Southampton it ran to Brockenhurst, but then took a northerly path through Ringwood and Wimborne; the present-day main line from Brockenhurst to Poole was not ready as a through route until 1888. In 1846, during construction, the Southampton and Dorchester Railway proposed a branch line from Brockenhurst to Lymington, and it obtained Parliamentary powers by an Act of 2 July 1847. A salt works at Lymington had promised 250,000 tons of salt annually as a revenue earning goods flow. However the scarcity of investment money following the collapse of the Railway Mania meant that it proved impossible to raise funds for any construction, and the scheme did not proceed. Lymington Railway Company Nine years later, an independent Lymington Railway Company was promoted to build a similar line, and it was incorporated by Act of 7 July 1856, with share capital of £21,000. The company was authorised to purchase Lymington Town Quay and the Town Bridge, and to build a jetty. The line was to be built as far as the present-day Lymington Town station. The line was four miles in length and it was constructed quickly, and on 8 May 1858 a celebratory train service was run for local people, probably free of charge. It was well patronised. The Board of Trade inspecting officer, Colonel Yolland, made an inspection on 11 May 1858 and was satisfied. However the London and South Western Railway was to work the line, and it required some track improvements before it would