Train services have resumed between New Malden and Twickenham following a four‑day closure that allowed Network Rail engineers to carry out a package of critical improvements across south‑west London.
A key focus of the work took place in Kingston, where engineers replaced 25 pairs of wheel timbers on Kingston River Bridge. The original wooden timbers had reached the end of their service life and were swapped for modern Fibre‑reinforced Foamed Urethane (FFU) alternatives. With an expected lifespan of up to 50 years, the new components will significantly reduce future maintenance requirements and keep passenger disruption to a minimum.
Alongside the renewals, teams used the closure to undertake a range of supporting upgrades to boost network reliability. This included essential signalling maintenance in Teddington following the completion of the Feltham and Wokingham Area Resignalling Programme. Engineers also demolished redundant signalling buildings at Strawberry Hill and Shepperton, while the level crossing surface at Hampton received a full renewal.
Together, these works form part of Network Rail’s ongoing programme to maintain safe, resilient and high‑performing rail infrastructure for South Western Railway (SWR) customers.
Speaking on behalf of Network Rail and SWR, George Murrell, Wessex Route Renewals Director, said:
“We’d like to thank passengers for their patience while this work took place in south west London over the four-day line closure. Our teams worked around the clock to renew the railway and passengers will benefit from smoother and more reliable journeys.”
Image and video credit: Network Rail
