Customers in parts of South West London are being reminded to check before travelling as Network Rail upgrades the railway around Twickenham to improve reliability.
Starting this weekend until the weekend of 9-10 October (not including the weekend of 25-26 September), engineers will replace three separate sets of points – which allow trains to move between tracks – at Twickenham Junction, west of Twickenham station.
While the work is carried out, replacement buses will be in operation, so customers are being advised to check the latest travel information if they plan to travel at weekends during the work.
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.”
Buses will replace South Western Railway (SWR) services as follows:
- Sunday 22 August: Buses replace trains between Richmond and Hounslow and between Richmond and Teddington
- Saturday 28 to Monday 31 August (August Bank Holiday weekend): Buses replace trains between Richmond and Hounslow and between Richmond and Teddington
- Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 September: Buses replace trains between Richmond and Hounslow and between Richmond and Teddington
- Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 September: Buses replace trains between Richmond or Barnes and Feltham and between Twickenham and Teddington
- Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 September: Buses replace trains between Feltham and Barnes and between Twickenham and Teddington
- Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 October: Buses replace trains between Feltham and Barnes and between Twickenham and Teddington
Over 500 yards of conductor rail, which provide power to trains, will also be renewed to improve reliability on the busy route to Reading and Windsor & Eton Riverside.
On some days, rail shuttle services will operate between London Waterloo and Richmond, while other services may be diverted or cancelled. Customers should check before they travel with SWR or National Rail Enquiries.
Further information can be found at networkrail.co.uk/twickenham-maintenance and updates will be provided on Network Rail’s Wessex route Twitter account, @NetworkRailWssx
Photo credit: Network Rail
