Surrey and Hampshire improvement works this August

We’re making improvements on the South Western Railway network this August Bank Holiday weekend

Bentley station footbridge, Hampshire

What work is taking place?

Ascot/Guildford to Alton

Engineers will replace the footbridge at Bentley station, between Farnham and Alton. The old footbridge will be removed, with a crane lifting the new bridge into position.

In the Ash Vale area, teams will be carrying out improvements to the electrical supply to the track. Teams will also be clearing vegetation and litter between Farnham and Alton.

Surbiton to Effingham Junction

Engineers will replace 20 wheel timbers in the Cobham & Stoke D’Abernon area. Wheel timbers are long blocks which support the track underneath. The new wheel timbers, which were produced from recycled material, have an extended lifespan of 50 years, are more durable and require less maintenance.

Teams are also carrying out improvements to the earthworks around the track in the Cobham area, including tree felling and carrying out surveys.

Other minor work will be taking place near Effingham Junction, Horsley, London Road (Guildford) and in Bookham Tunnel.

How will this affect me?

From Saturday 23 to Monday 25 August 2025 train journeys will be affected, and buses are replacing some trains in the Surbiton, Leatherhead, Guildford, Alton and Ascot areas, Please plan ahead.

Why do we carry out engineering work at weekends?

If we had our way, we’d never close the railway, as getting passengers and freight to where they need to be is why we exist. However, we need to maintain the railway so it remains safe for everyone and doing this overnight, at weekends and during bank holidays, causes the least disruption to passengers, which is why we choose to work then.

Register and sign up to digital notifications

We try to provide notice about our work as soon possible, whether it’s general maintenance or engineering projects.

You can sign up to digital notifications so we can reach you faster and keep you informed of planned work in your area, general information about Network Rail, regional news including safety communications and to receive surveys to help us improve our services.

Get in touch

If you have any questions about the work we’re doing over the August Bank Holiday, please contact us by visiting our contact us page or by calling our 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41.