Work continues on Wokingham rail line as buses replace trains

The work, which began on February 2 is in its second week, with Wokingham Borough Council reminding residents of the closure of two level crossings.

During the works, Wokingham Level Crossing on Barkham Road and Star Lane Level Crossing on Easthampstead Road are closed.

Rail replacement buses are also to operate for most of the week for services at Earley, Winnersh Triangle, Winnersh and Wokingham stations.

A Wokingham Borough Council spokesperson said: “During these works, they will be renewing the track at the double junction at Wokingham taking it from the currently manually controlled system, to the modern electronically controlled equivalent.

“Please also be aware that Rail Replacement buses will run from February 10 to February 18.”

Work is due to finish by 4am on Monday, February 19.

Network Rail added:  “The Feltham Area Signalling Centre and Wokingham Signal Box jointly covers 80 miles of railway and 500 separate pieces of signalling equipment, on key areas of the South Western Railway (SWR) network.

“The existing equipment – such as signals, the traffic light system for the railway, and track circuits, which tell signallers where trains are on the network – dates back to 1974 and is becoming harder and harder to maintain.

“We’re renewing that equipment with a modern equivalent that will be more reliable.”