Seven-day closure planned between Windsor and Staines for railway upgrades

The line between Windsor and Staines will be closed next week as Network Rail ‘upgrades’ the railway.

A single seven-day closure helps complete multiple jobs at once, rather than closing the railway on repeated weekends, which means less overall disruption for passengers.

The programme of renewal and maintenance is returning this autumn to make journeys ‘safer, smoother and more reliable’.

This includes rail replacement and track bed being stabilised at Wraysbury, the road surface renewed and drainage improvements at Datchet Level Crossing and rail joints being replaced or removed.

To complete this package of renewals, the line between Staines and Windsor & Eton Riverside will be closed from Saturday, October 25 until Saturday, November 1.

While the railway is closed, South Western Railway (SWR) will operate rail replacement bus services.

These will run up to twice an hour between Staines and Windsor, calling at Wraysbury, Sunnymeads and Datchet, with some direct services between Staines and Windsor also in place.

Passengers should allow extra time for their journeys, as bus journeys will take longer than usual.

Work is also taking place at Colne River Bridge in Wraysbury and Black Potts Viaduct near Windsor, where 20- and 15-wheel timbers are being renewed and replaced, respectively.

This will be replaced, alongside new fixtures, holding straps and walkways which are ‘essential’ to keep trains running safely and reliably across the structures for years to come.

In addition to the larger projects, the closure will enable Network Rail to complete smaller maintenance tasks.

Vegetation will be cleared and drainage improved while repairs are being carried out at several level crossings, including Datchet, to address potholes, cattle grids and drainage.

Routine checks of signalling, telecoms and electrical assets will also take place.

For residents and drivers, Datchet Level Crossing will be closed overnight at times during the work.

Signed diversions will be in place, and we advise allowing extra time for road journeys during this period.