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Monday 1 Sep 2025

COMPLETED: Trains running between Kew Bridge and Barnes again after nine-day closure to strengthen Barnes Bridge

Region & Route:

Southern: Wessex

| Southern

Trains are now running again between Kew Bridge and Barnes following the completion of essential strengthening work on Barnes Bridge.

During the closure, the middle girders, which support smaller beams on the bridge, were removed and replaced. These girders support the tracks and trains above, acting as the backbone of each span. 

Engineers also replaced the wheel timbers on the line heading away from London. Wheel timbers are long blocks that support the tracks across a bridge and the new ones are made from fibre-reinforced foamed urethane , a recycled material will last for 50 years.

Speaking on behalf of Network Rail and South Western Railway, Peter Williams, Customer and Commercial Director at South Western Railway, said: “We’re grateful to our customers for their patience whilst these important works to strengthen Barnes Bridge have been completed. These works will allow trains to continue to run safely over the bridge for many years to come.”

Engineers are also refurbishing and strengthening the passenger footbridge at Chiswick station, including installation of new steel work, water-jetting and repainting and the removal of temporary scaffolding.

To ensure these works are completed efficiently, the footbridge will remain closed until 15 September. A footpath diversion is in place, requiring residents to use Grove Park Bridge to safely cross the railway.