National Rail improvements affects trains from Theale to Newbury

From Saturday, February 18 to Thursday, March 2 Network Rail are set to carry out track upgrades including replacing life-expired track with new rails and sleepers and a number of building repairs.

Although long distance trains will continue to run between London Paddington and the south west, no trains will run between Theale (near Reading) and Westbury for the 13 days during works.

The long-distance journey times will be extended by 30 minutes due to the diversionary routes.

GWR Regional Station Manager Tom Butler thanked passengers in advance 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."

The replacement buses will operate between Theale and Newbury/Bedwyn, as well as between Swindon and Pewsey.

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 weekend closures will continue to take place on Sunday 5 March, the weekend of 11/12 March as well as the full Easter weekend from Friday 7 to Monday 10 April.