Passengers in Berkshire and North Surrey are being urged to check their journeys carefully this half-term as major upgrade work begins tomorrow (Saturday 25 October). Network Rail engineers will carry out essential improvements on the lines between Wokingham and Reading, and between Staines and Windsor, with buses replacing trains during the works. The upgrades, taking place from Saturday 25 to Friday 31 October 2025, are designed to improve reliability and performance for passengers across both routes.

Between Wokingham and Reading, buses will replace trains for three days from Saturday 25 to Monday 27 October while engineers renew the Reading Spur Junction — the key link between the Great Western Main Line and the North Downs Line. The scale and complexity of the work mean it could not be completed during a standard weekend closure. During this period, South Western Railway services to and from London Waterloo will start and finish at Wokingham, while Great Western Railway services towards Gatwick Airport will also begin and end there.

Between Staines and Windsor & Eton Riverside, buses will replace trains from Saturday 25 to Friday 31 October for a programme of track and structural renewals. Engineers will replace more than a kilometre of rail and stabilise the track bed at Wraysbury, while at Datchet Level Crossing, the road surface and drainage will be improved. Further work includes the renewal of 20 wheel timbers at Colne River Bridge in Wraysbury and 15 at Black Potts Viaduct near Windsor, alongside new fixtures and walkways to strengthen both structures for years to come. Two buses an hour will run between Staines and Windsor, calling at all stations.

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, added: “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."

Image: Network Rail