Buses replace trains over three days

Buses will replace several South Western Railway services this weekend due to engineering works.

Customers have been reminded to check before they travel as Network Rail engineers replace around 1,100m of track, renew

538m of rail and install

1,800 tonnes of ballast in the Staines and Windsor area.

Buses will replace South Western Railway trains between Hounslow, Staines and Windsor & Eton River- side from Saturday 13 to Monday, January 15.

Whilst the railway is closed, engineers will also complete structure examinations, clear litter and graffiti alongside the railway, as well as carry out track maintenance and signalling and telecommunications work near Windsor.

Kevin Hoar, Network Rail, project manager, said: “These works are really important for us to carry out as they will improve the reliability of the railway line for customers travelling in and around southwest London.

“It’s always regrettable when we have to close the railway, but delivering this work alongside other small projects at the same time will cause less disruption in the long run to our customers travelling on this important stretch of railway.

“We’re grateful to customers and local residents living alongside the railway for their patience and understanding while we continue modernising the railway in the Windsor and Staines area.”

During the weekend closure, South Western Railway will run rail replacement bus services on the following routes:

Saturday, January 13

Hounslow and Windsor & Eton Riverside

Sunday, January 14

Hounslow and Ascot Hounslow and Windsor & Eton Riverside

Monday, January 15

Staines and Windsor & Eton Riverside

A South Western Railway spokesperson said: “We are grateful to our customers for their patience as our colleagues at Network Rail make these vital improvements to the railway, which will enhance the reliability of services for many years to come.

“We advise customers travelling in the area on the three days to check journey planners before doing so.”