A number of train routes between Windsor, Reading and Bracknell will be closed in a week as Network Rail seeks to bring signalling systems up to modern standards.

From Saturday 11 to Sunday 19 February buses will replace trains from Staines to Windsor & Eton Riverside. On the last weekend, buses will run from Hounslow to Virginia Water.

A midweek closure between Reading and Bracknell and Reading to Guildford will also be taking place simultaneously from Monday 13 to Friday, February 17.  

Network Rail’s Wessex route director Mark Killick, said: “It’s really great to see phase three and four of this huge resignalling project taking place.

"The current signalling system dates back to the early 1970s and during a long-term programme we’ve been modernising it to improve reliability across the Southern region.

“We’re aware that Wessex route can sometimes be one of the worst affected in terms of signalling issues and completing this work will help prevent those incidents and will allow us to increase capacity for trains with fewer delays, improved safety and lower running costs.

“We’d like to thank customers for their patience and bearing with us.”

During the railway closure canopies will also be painted at Windsor & Eton Riverside, the footbridge at Ashford station will be renewed as well as the Star Lane Level Crossing, clearing vegetation along the line, as well as litter clearance and surveying of the infrastructure.

Passengers are being reminded to check before they travel and visit nationalrail.co.uk for further information.