Engineering works between Wiltshire and Berkshire mean fewer trains and replacement buses will be running on some routes.

Network Rail is planning to replace the track on the Newbury route, alongside flood alleviation works, in September, November, and December.

The first period of works will impact Great Western Railway services between Newbury and Westbury from Tuesday 17 to Thursday 19 September:

  • Trains will run between London Paddington and the South West using an alternative route via Swindon but journey times will be longer as a result
  • Trains will still run between London Paddington/Reading and Newbury
  • Replacement buses will operate between Newbury and Bedwyn, and between Pewsey and Swindon
  • There will be a reduced train service between Westbury and Swindon with replacement buses operating between Westbury and Chippenham instead

Further work will impact trains between Theale and Westbury (Monday 11 to Thursday 14 November), then between Newbury and Westbury (Tuesday 10 to Thursday 12 December).

Tom Butler, GWR Station Manager for the Kennet & Thames Valley area, said: “This improvement work forms part of an ongoing maintenance programme, helping to ensure we can continue to provide consistent and reliable services.

“Trains will still run between Newbury and Reading or onto London Paddington, and between London and the South West by using an alternative route.

“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.

“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.”

Mark Parker, South Rail Systems Alliance and Network Rail’s lead portfolio manager said: “We’d like to thank passengers for their patience while we carry out this essential track upgrade in the Newbury area.

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