Disruption on the tracks and rail replacement buses from Newbury this week – what you need to know

A reminder has been issued that railway services in the Newbury area will be disrupted over the next few months, with works starting later this week.

Network Rail is replacing tracks on the Newbury line and installing new flood alleviation works.

The first batch of works covers Tuesday, September 17, through to Thursday, September 19, and will see Great Western Railway services affected.

While trains will run from London Paddington to Newbury, rail replacement buses will be used between Newbury and Bedwyn, and between Pewsey and Swindon.

Journeys will be longer as a result.

There will be a reduced train service between Westbury and Swindon with replacement buses operating between Westbury and Chippenham instead.

Work will resume on Monday, November 11, through to Thursday, November 14, this time affecting trains running between Theale and Westbury, near Trowbridge.

The next batch of works planned will affect the line between Newbury and Westbury.

These works run from Tuesday, December 10, through to Thursday, December 12.

Tom Butler, GWR station manager for the Kennet & Thames Valley area, said the improvement work were part of an ongoing maintenance programme that would ensure passengers could enjoy a consistent and reliable service.

“Trains will still run between Newbury and Reading or on to London Paddington, and between London and the South West, by using an alternative route,” he continued.

“GWR will provide rail replacement services for stations between Newbury and Bedwyn, and buses between Pewsey and Swindon for onward connections.

“There will only be limited train services available for customers between Westbury and Swindon, so replacement buses will also run between Westbury and Chippenham.”

He added: “It’s important that customers note these alternative travel arrangements will make their normal journey times a little longer, so please do check before you travel.”

Details will be posted on the group’s website, GWR.com/Upgrade

This was echoed by Mark Parker, South Rail Systems Alliance and Network Rail’s lead portfolio manager, who thanked passengers for their patience.

“Once complete, this vital work will enable continued safe and reliable services to run on this popular route for years to come,” he said.