Bridge Works to Sever Rail Traffic Between Kew and Barnes for Nine Days
Rail services between Kew Bridge and Barnes in southwest London will be unavailable from 23 to 31 August. The route will be temporarily closed due to strengthening work on Barnes Bridge. The closure hits a well-used stretch of track that links local neighbourhood stops to central London and places beyond. The suspension lands right in the middle of school breaks and a big football match, making it harder for people to get around smoothly.
The project includes replacing the main girders beneath the bridge structure, which are essential for supporting trains across the Thames. In addition, new timber components will be fitted under one direction of track to extend its durability and reduce future maintenance. The materials going in are built to last about 50 years, giving the tracks a long-lasting boost and cutting down the need for constant fixing
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.
One of the busiest days during this closure will be matchday, when Brentford hosts Aston Villa for their Premier League home opener. Anyone planning to get to the stadium near Kew Bridge should check the travel situation ahead of time to avoid surprises. Since trains will not operate through the area, alternative routes and bus services will be in place. Travellers are encouraged to plan extra time before and after the game and consider using nearby stations that remain open.
Beyond the immediate impact on match-goers, the closure will affect rail users in southwest London and those heading to destinations further afield. Instead of trains, buses will cover this stretch and the ride might take a bit longer than usual, so passengers should plan for some added time on the road. Chiswick station will also see changes, as the footbridge there will be closed from early August to mid-September, requiring pedestrians to use a longer diversion on foot.
It might throw a wrench into some travel plans now, but the goal is to make train journeys smoother and safer in the future. Maybe you're flying out, heading for a quick getaway or simply crossing the city. Work like this can flip your route and change how your plans play out. Knowing the changes in advance and adjusting routes accordingly will help reduce stress during this short but significant interruption.