Network Rail works mean buses are to replace South Western Railway trains between Hounslow, Staines and Windsor & Eton Riverside this weekend while engineers complete upgrades.

The railway company's engineers will be replacing around 1,100m of track, renewing 538m of rail and installing 1,800 tonnes of ballast (the stones that support the track) in the Staines and Windsor area which will provide smoother and more reliable journeys for customers from Saturday 13 to Monday 15 January.

Whilst the railway is closed, engineers will also use the time to complete structure examinations, clear litter and graffiti alongside the railway, as well as carry out track maintenance, level crossing upgrades in the Egham area and signalling and telecommunications work near Windsor.

Travel information:

Saturday 13 January

• Hounslow and Virginia Water
• Hounslow and Windsor & Eton Riverside

Sunday 14 January

• Hounslow and Ascot
• Hounslow and Woking
• Hounslow and Windsor & Eton Riverside

Monday 15 January

• Staines and Windsor & Eton Riverside

Kevin Hoar, Network Rail, project manager, said: "These works are really important for us to carry out as they will improve reliability of the railway line for customers travelling in and around south west London.

"It's always regrettable when we have to close the railway, but delivering this work alongside other small projects at the same time will cause less disruption in the long run to our customers travelling on this important stretch of railway.

"We're grateful to customers and local residents living alongside the railway for their patience and understanding while we continue modernising the railway in the Windsor and Staines area."

A spokesperson for South Western Railway added: "We are grateful to our customers for their patience as our colleagues at Network Rail make these vital improvements to the railway, which will enhance the reliability of services for many years to come.

"We advise customers travelling in the area on the three days to check journey planners before doing so."

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