RAILWAY tracks between Theale and Westbury are closed for essential maintenance work.
Great Western Railway says it is to carry out track upgrades, including replacing life-expired track with new rails and sleepers, and a number of bridge repairs.
The work started on Saturday, February 18, and will continue until Thursday, March 2, and no trains will run between the two stations.
Long-distance trains between London Paddington and the south west will operate using a diversionary route, extending journeys by approximately 30 minutes, while replacement buses will be in use between Theale and Newbury/Bedwyn, and between Swindon and Pewsey.
GWR regional station manager Tom Butler thanked passengers for their patience and advised them to plan ahead before travelling.
He said: “These works are essential to maintaining and improving the railway but we understand the consequences this will have on our customer’s journeys and we thank them for their patience during this time.
“Buses will replace Great Western Railway trains throughout the Newbury area while Network Rail carry out these improvements, and we encourage passengers to check their journey beforehand.”
There will be more closures: Sunday, March 5, the weekend of March 11 and 12, and Easter weekend, from Good Friday, April 7, through to Easter Monday, April 10.
Network Rail project manager Bradley Wallace said: “The upgrades between Reading and Westbury will help secure the future of an important route that links Reading to the south west and ensure passengers and freight continue to enjoy safe and reliable journeys.
“There is never a good time to close the railway but working over a short period removes the need for long-term interruption.
“We’re grateful to passengers and our lineside neighbours for their patience and understanding during this time and we’re working closely with GWR to ensure passengers can still make their journeys with a rail replacement bus service.”
Further information on these engineering works can be found at: GWR.com/Newbury
