Train services are running again between New Malden and Twickenham after a four-day closure allowed engineers to carry out a series of improvements to the railway.

The works, delivered by Network Rail, focused on boosting reliability across south west London.

In Kingston, engineers replaced 25 pairs of wheel timbers on Kingston River Bridge. The long blocks support the tracks and are a key part of the bridge structure.

The old wooden timbers, which had reached the end of their serviceable life, were replaced with Fibre-reinforced Foamed Urethane (FFU) units.

The new material has a lifespan of up to 50 years, meaning fewer closures should be required for maintenance in future.

General maintenance was also carried out in the surrounding area to improve the reliability of services.

Network Rail say that with the line closed, teams took the opportunity to complete additional works, including signalling maintenance in Teddington following the Feltham and Wokingham Area Resignalling Programme.

Engineers also demolished redundant signalling equipment buildings at Strawberry Hill and Shepperton, and renewed the level crossing surface at Hampton.

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Together, the works are aimed at keeping the railway safe and reliable for passengers travelling through the borough.

Speaking on behalf of Network Rail and South Western Railway, 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."

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