Passengers in Berkshire and North Surrey will face changes to their journeys during the October half-term, starting tomorrow, Saturday 25 October and ending on Friday 31 October, while Network Rail carries out major upgrades on the lines between Wokingham and Reading as well as between Staines and Windsor, with buses replacing trains during the work.
Wokingham to Reading
Passengers travelling between Wokingham and Reading are advised to plan ahead, as buses replace trains for three days from Saturday 25 to Monday 27 October 2025 while vital track renewal work is carried out.
Engineers will replace Reading Spur Junction, which connects the Great Western Main Line and North Downs Line. The complexity and location of the works meant that it was not possible to complete during a weekend line closure.
- South Western Railway services towards London Waterloo, via Ascot, Staines and Twickenham, will start and finish at Wokingham.
- Great Western Railway services towards Gatwick Airport, via Farnborough, Guildford and Dorking, will also start and finish at Wokingham.
More information about the programme can be found here: Reading improvement works – Network Rail
Staines to Windsor & Eton Riverside
Passengers travelling between Staines and Windsor & Eton Riverside should plan ahead as buses will replace trains between 25 October and 31 October 2025 for essential track renewals.
There is renewal and maintenance work taking place in a number of locations along the line. At Wraysbury, more than a kilometre of rail will be replaced and the track bed stabilised. At Datchet Level Crossing, the road surface is being renewed alongside drainage improvements to provide a smoother, more reliable surface.
Work is also taking place on two major structures. At Colne River Bridge in Wraysbury, 20 wheel timbers, the long blocks which support the track, are being renewed. At Black Potts Viaduct near Windsor, 15 wheel timbers will be replaced, alongside new fixtures, holding straps and walkways. These essential improvements will keep trains running safely and reliably across the structures for years to come.
There will be two buses an hour running between Staines and Windsor, calling at intermediate stations.
More information can be found here: Staines to Windsor improvement work – Network Rail
Speaking on behalf of Network Rail and South Western Railway, Mark Goodall, Wessex Route Director, said: “It’s important to stress that most of the South Western Railway network in Berkshire and North Surrey is fully open throughout the October half-term but we’re very sorry for the disruption to journeys in the Reading and Windsor areas during this period. We know there’s never a convenient time to close the railway, however passenger numbers are typically lower during the half-term week, making it the least disruptive time to carry out this critical work. Our teams will be working around the clock to deliver these upgrades, and once complete, passengers will benefit from smoother, more reliable journeys.”
Alex Hills, GWR Station Manager at Reading, said: “This improvement work supports our commitment to improve rail services for Gatwick, supporting the airport and sustainable travel choices. During this three-day period, GWR trains will operate to an amended timetable – running between Wokingham and Redhill or Gatwick Airport. Road transport will be provided for customers between Wokingham and Reading – please do check before you travel as road journeys will take a little longer.”
Passengers are advised to check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk or with their train operator.
Image credit: Network Rail
