Network Rail and South Western Railway (SWR) have thanked passengers for their patience over the past three days while vital engineering work took place between Wokingham and Reading.

Engineers replaced Reading Spur Junction, the critical connection between the Great Western Main Line and the North Downs Line. Due to the complexity and location of the work, it could not be completed during a standard weekend line closure.

A joint spokesperson for Network Rail and SWR said:

“We’re grateful to our customers for their patience whilst these essential works which will make their journeys more reliable were carried out. Whilst we understand that there is never a good time to close the railway, these works took place at a time when we typically see less people travelling. We would also like to remind customers that upgrades to the line between Staines and Windsor and Eton Riverside will continue, with buses replacing trains until Saturday 1 November.”

Alex Hills, GWR Station Manager for Reading, added:

“We’re grateful train services are now running again between Reading and Wokingham and we’d like to thank customers for their patience. These track upgrades help support the reliability of the North Downs Line serving Gatwick Airport, helping more people to travel sustainably. Please note further engineering work will also affect train services in the Wokingham area next weekend (1/2 Nov) as well as the weekend of 29/30 November.”

Meanwhile, the line between Staines and Windsor & Eton Riverside remains closed until Saturday 1 November as engineers continue essential upgrades.

Image: Network Rail