Reading improvement works

This October, we’re replacing a junction to the east of Reading station to improve passenger journeys

Image shows engineers installing a new junction

What work is taking place?

Engineers will replace Reading Spur Junction, east of Reading station, during a three-day closure. This junction connects the Great Western Main Line and North Downs Line.

The team will be using a Kirow crane, which will lift the new junction into place and eight RRVs (road rail vehicles) will be operated to supply, install and remove materials.

How will this affect me?

Train services between Wokingham and Reading will be replaced by buses over a three-day period between 25 and 27 October 2025.

South Western Railway services towards London, via Ascot, Staines and Twickenham will start from Wokingham.

Great Western Railway trains towards Gatwick Airport via Farnborough, Guildford and Dorking will also start at Wokingham.

Why is the work needed?

Nearly 20 million passengers use Reading station each year, making it one of Britain’s busiest rail hubs. It will be an all-round better experience for passengers once the track is renewed, with less failures and less maintenance required resulting in smoother and more reliable journeys.

Doing this work over a quieter period with less passengers travelling means less disruption over many weekends in busier periods.

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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 school 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 three day closure, please contact us by visiting our contact us page or by calling our 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41.