Network Rail will begin work this weekend to bring improved reliability to the railway, with rail replacements buses being put into place for passengers on Sunday the 22nd of August, and other upcoming weekends.

The work will affect those in South West London as the works are taking place in the Twickenham area and those travelling are being advised to check before travelling.

The project is expected to last until the weekend of the 9th/10th of October 2021.

The engineering works will see three sets of points replaced at Twickenham Junction and also west of Twickenham station.

Points are vital to the railway as they allow trains to move from one set of tracks to another. Also, more than 500 yards of conductor rail, which gets the power to trains, will be replaced and will bring better reliability to the Reading and Windsor and Eton Riverside route.

While the work is underway, rail replacement buses will be in place to continue journeys and due to this, customers are recommended to check the latest travel information if travelling over the weekend during the project.

Some days will see rail shuttle services in operation between London Waterloo and Richmond and also other services may become diverted or cancelled. For this reason, passengers are advised to check with South Western Railway or National Rail Enquiries before travelling.

South Western Railway Rail Replacement Bus services are as follows:

• Sunday the 22nd of August:
  • Buses will replace trains between Richmond and Hounslow and also between Richmond and Teddington
• Saturday the 28th to Monday the 31st of August (Bank holiday weekend):
  • Buses will replace trains between Richmond and Hounslow and also between Richmond and Teddington
• Saturday the 4th to Sunday the 5th of September:
  • Buses will replace trains between Richmond and Hounslow and also between Richmond and Teddington
• Saturday the 11th to Sunday the 12th of September:
  • Buses will replace trains between Richmond and Barnes and also Feltham and also between Twickenham and Teddington
• Saturday the 18th to Sunday the 19th of September:
  • Buses will replace trains between Feltham and Barnes and also between Twickenham and Teddington
• Saturday the 9th to Sunday the 10th of October:
  • Buses will replace trains between Feltham and Barnes and also between Twickenham and Teddington

Mark Killick, Network Rail‘s Wessex route director, said: “Points are a crucial part of the railway and have to be kept in top condition to avoid delaying trains. This programme of work will boost reliability at a very important junction, where trains run through to Reading and Windsor & Eton Riverside.

“Six weekends of work mean that customers and those living near the railway will experience some disruption and noise, for which we apologise. Having analysed travel patterns in the area during the week and at weekends, we believe this minimises the impact as much as possible while allowing us to deliver the work that, once complete, means better journeys for everyone and a more reliable railway for decades to come.

“We’re advising anyone travelling to plan ahead and check the latest information before starting their journey.”

Alan Penlington, SWR’s customer experience director, said: “With such a long series of closures, I realise these works will mean disruption for our customers; however, replacement buses will be in operation wherever lines need to be closed.

“As customers return to the railway, it’s important that these works take place to improve the performance and reliability of the network for years to come. I’d like to thank customers for their patience and remind anyone who’s traveling to plan ahead to see if their journey is affected.”

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