Rail closures prompt travel warning for passengers

Buses will operate instead of trains on some South Western Railway routes

Rail passengers in Surrey and southern England are being urged to plan ahead due to upcoming line closures for upgrade works.

From 25 October to 2 November, services between Staines and Windsor, and between Guildford and Havant, will be suspended and replacement buses will be running.

The closures coincide with the school half-term, a period Network Rail says typically sees fewer passengers.

Mark Goodall, Wessex Route Director for Network Rail and South Western Railway, said: "We're very sorry for the disruption to journeys at the end of October."

Network Rail said the work will see six miles of track renewed on the Staines-Windsor line.

On the line between Guildford and Havant, the final phase of upgrades to the Portsmouth Direct line will be completed.

This includes a major resignalling upgrade between Farncombe and Petersfield finished, which started in early 2022.

The new system will be controlled from the Basingstoke Railway Operating Centre, with 90 signals and 17 equipment buildings being activated and tested.

Network Rail said the upgrades will deliver safer and more reliable services.

Passengers should allow extra time for journeys, Network Rail says

To prepare for commissioning, four weekend closures will take place on 27-28 September, 4-5 October, 11-12 October and 18-19 October.

Additionally, nine level crossings in south west Surrey and north east Hampshire will be upgraded.

Network Rail said road closures will be "carefully staggered" to minimise disruption.

The first crossing closure begins at the end of September, with the final works scheduled to finish by mid-November.

Mr Goodall added: "We recommend checking before you travel and allowing extra time for your journey."