From next Saturday, 18th February to Thursday, 2nd March, there will be no train services on the Berks & Hants line between Theale and Westbury because of essential maintenance work.

During the closure, Network Rail engineers will carry out track upgrades including replacing life-expired track with new rails and sleepers and repair several bridges.

Long-distance services between London Paddington and the southwest will continue to run but will use a diversionary route that will extend journey times by approximately 30 minutes.

For passengers wishing to travel between Theale and Newbury/Bedwyn and between Swindon and Pewsey, rail-replacement buses will be provided.

Following these works, there will be further closures on Sunday, 5th March, the weekend of 11th/12th March, and Easter weekend from Good Friday, 7th to Easter Monday, 10th April.

Further information about these engineering works can be found online at GWR.com/Newbury

Great Western Railway‘s Regional Station Manager, Tom Butler, thanked passengers in advance for their patience and advised them to plan ahead before travelling. He said: “These works are essential to maintaining and improving the railway but we understand the consequences this will have on our customer’s journeys and we thank them for their patience during this time.

“Buses will replace Great Western Railway trains throughout the Newbury area while Network Rail carry out these improvements, and we encourage passengers to check their journey beforehand.”

Network Rail project manager Bradley Wallace said: “The upgrades between Reading and Westbury will help secure the future of an important route that links Reading to the southwest and ensure passengers and freight continue to enjoy safe and reliable journeys.

“There is never a good time to close the railway but working over a short period removes the need for long-term interruption.

“We’re grateful to passengers and our lineside neighbours for their patience and understanding during this time and we’re working closely with GWR to ensure passengers can still make their journeys with a rail replacement bus service.”