Passengers travelling in the Kingston area of south west London are being advised to plan ahead next month as essential Network Rail engineering work will mean changes to train services between Saturday 14 February and Tuesday 17 February.
During this period, buses will replace trains between New Malden and Twickenham. Over the weekend, buses also replace trains on the Shepperton branch. while engineers carry out renewal work to the track support system on Kingston River Bridge. This work will improve the reliability of the railway and reduce the need for future maintenance.
On Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 February, buses will replace trains between New Malden, Shepperton and Twickenham.
On Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 February, buses will replace trains between New Malden and Twickenham. Shepperton services will continue to run but will be diverted via Twickenham and will not call at stations on the Kingston Loop.
With the line closed, engineers will also take the opportunity to complete a range of supporting maintenance work in the area. This includes maintenance to the signalling Shacklegate in Teddington after the completed Feltham and Wokingham Area Resignalling Programme. Engineers will also be demolishing redundant signalling equipment buildings at Strawberry Hill and Shepperton, and renewing of the level crossing surface at Hampton. Together, this work will help to keep the railway safe and reliable for passengers.
Speaking on behalf of Network Rail and South Western Railway, George Murrell, Wessex Route Renewals Director, said: “We’re asking passengers to plan ahead during the February half term, as buses will replace trains on parts of the network in south west London. We’d like to thank customers for their patience while this work takes place.”
Passengers should check journey planners before travelling and follow updates online.
Image credit: Network Rail