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Monday 24 Aug 2020

Passengers reminded to plan ahead over the Bank Holiday weekend as vital work takes place to improve railway in South West London and Surrey

Region & Route:

Southern: Wessex

• Network Rail engineering works will affect some services in SW London and Surrey as track and other equipment set for renewal
• Passengers should check their journey before they travel as some South Western Railway and Southern services will be affected.
• Those who are travelling by rail should wear a face covering unless they are exempt. Passengers should also travel at quieter times and maintain a distance from others wherever possible

Passengers in Surrey and South West London are reminded to plan ahead as Network Rail will be carrying out vital engineering work over the August Bank Holiday weekend to maintain and upgrade the railway for passengers.

From Saturday 29 to Monday 31 August, Network Rail will be carrying out essential track work that includes upgrades to the points which help the train to move between tracks at Whitton Junction, between Twickenham and Feltham.

While the line is closed, engineers also working to connect the new £60m South Western Railway depot at Feltham to the main line.

This means that the lines between Twickenham, Hounslow and Staines will be closed.

On Sunday 30 August, Network Rail will also be undertaking track maintenance in the Leatherhead area, as well as work to prepare for the strengthening of Station Road Bridge. This means that the line between Epsom and Dorking, and Epsom and Effingham Junction will be closed.

Over the weekend, the footbridge at Ashford station will also be replaced as part of the Bank Holiday programme of work.

Passengers should check their journey before they travel and a summary of the amended timetable and bus replacement services are available at: https://www.southwesternrailway.com/August

Mark Killick, Network Rail Wessex route director, said: “We are continuing to work on and invest in the rail network to make it more reliable. It’s also great for us to be able to help SWR on their journey to opening their new depot at Feltham, to create a home for their new trains and better journeys for passengers.

“That means some journeys may be different, so please travel safely, follow the latest public health advice and check your journey before leaving home.” 

Alan Penlington, customer experience director for South Western Railway, said: “These works are vital to maintaining and improving the railway. We are working to keep everyone moving this bank holiday, with replacement buses in operation.

“We’re asking our customers to plan ahead, and follow the latest Government guidance so we can all travel safely.”

Network Rail is also reminding passengers to continue following Government advice around the safe use of public transport, including the wearing of face coverings, and maintaining social distancing where possible.

Details of the work taking place this August Bank Holiday:

• Upgrades to points (which help train move between tracks) at Whitton Junction; including upgrades to the station. We’re also continuing work on the new SWR train depot at Feltham which will affect services between Hounslow and Twickenham and Twickenham and Staines. The work begins on the morning of 29 August and is due to finish early morning on 1 September when train services will resume.
• Carrying out repairs and maintenance to the track, and strengthening a bridge at Station Road, Leatherhead between the morning of 30 August and morning of 31 August. The work affects services between Epsom and Dorking and between Dorking and Effingham Junction.
• Work to replace the footbridge at Ashford station in Surrey and resurfacing work to the platform and car parks. During the work, the station is likely to be open but passengers should check on the day they travel for the latest advice.