Until further notice, the line between Barnes Bridge and Hounslow will be closed to allow engineers to access the underside of Barnes Bridge for repair work.

Engineers have been carrying out planned inspections using ultrasonic equipment which found a small number is defects in the Grade II structure.

The Victorian structure is quite unique with components needing to be specially manufactured to allow the bridge to be repaired.

For onward travel to Barnes Bridge and Chiswick stations, tickets will be accepted on:

• Transport for London buses between Feltham and Barnes via Hounslow.
• London Underground via any reasonable route
• London Overground between Richmond and Kew Gardens.

More information and train times can be found at: www.southwesternrailway.com/plan-my-journey

Mark Killick, Network Rail’s Wessex route director, said: “We’re extremely sorry for the major disruption this closure is causing to our customers. Operating a safe railway must always take priority and we are working to carry out the necessary repairs as soon as we can.

“Engineers found that four out of the 86 large steel pins that are used to hold in place the structural girders, which support the railway tracks above were slightly damaged. Due to the location of the bridge which spans over the River Thames, this makes gaining access to replace the pins much more complex.

“We’re continuing to work closely with our train operating partners at SWR to produce a revised timetable to serve as many stations in the local area as possible.”

Peter Williams, South Western Railway‘s customer and commercial director, said: “Due to the closure of Barnes Bridge SWR trains are unable to serve Barnes Bridge and Chiswick stations until further notice.

“We are amending some services in the area to provide an hourly service between Waterloo to Kew Bridge via Hounslow. We are very sorry for the delay that this will cause to journeys.”