Passengers travelling through Richmond are being urged to plan ahead this summer, as Network Rail carries out essential works on Barnes Bridge that will close the rail line between Kew Bridge and Barnes stations.

The closure will take place from Friday 23 August to Saturday 31 August 2025, with rail replacement buses operating throughout the period to maintain connections.

The works form part of a major upgrade project aimed at improving the long-term safety and reliability of the Thames-spanning bridge, which plays a 'vital' role in the local rail network.

As part of the project, engineers will remove and replace the middle girders, a critical support structure, on each span of the bridge.

These girders bear the majority of the weight from trains and track infrastructure.

New support blocks known as wheel timbers will also be installed on the line heading away from London.

The new components are designed to last up to 50 years and reduce the need for future maintenance, while also offering environmental benefits.

Network Rail has said the timing of the closure was chosen to coincide with the August Bank Holiday week, typically a quieter period for travel, and to ensure the work is completed before the start of the new school term.

However, the closure will also impact supporters travelling to Brentford's first home fixture of the Premier League season against Aston Villa, with passengers advised to plan accordingly.

In a related project, Network Rail will also be upgrading the passenger footbridge at Chiswick station, with work taking place from 2 August to 15 September 2025.

The works include new steelwork, removal of scaffolding, and repainting.

A diversion via Grove Park Bridge will be in place to allow pedestrians to safely cross the railway.

Wessex Route Director at Network Rail, Mark Goodall, said: "There is never a good time to close the railway and the decision was taken to carry out these works to encompass the August Bank Holiday and finish before the schools started again as fewer people travel during that week.

"We appreciate it is unfortunate to have a line closure clashing with Brentford's first home game of the Premier League season.

"Our works are planned over 12 months in advance and we are working with both clubs to ensure that fans are well aware ahead of the game."

Customer and Commercial Director at South Western Railway, Peter Williams, added: "These upgrades will help keep the railway reliable and resilient for many years to come, and we're grateful to our customers for their patience while they are carried out.

"With rail replacement buses in place, we recommend checking before you travel and allowing some extra time for your journey."

The upcoming closure follows earlier work in July 2024, when speed restrictions were lifted after engineers reinforced parts of the bridge's steel structure.

The improvements allowed trains to operate more efficiently and safely across the structure.

For up-to-date travel information and planning assistance, passengers should visit National Rail's website here.

We want to provide Richmond with more and more clickbait-free local news. To do that, we need a loyal newsletter following. Help us survive and sign up for our free weekly newsletter by clicking the link HERE.