Rail Closures to Disrupt Windsor Travel
Rail passengers planning to visit Windsor between 22 and 28 March should expect travel changes due to major engineering works. Network Rail will suspend train services between Staines and Windsor for a week to carry out track renewals on the Black Potts Railway Bridge, a 174-year-old structure over the Thames. Simultaneously, pedestrian access at May’s Level Crossing in Datchet will be upgraded, requiring the complete closure of this section of the line.
Over the first weekend of the closure, additional maintenance will be conducted between Staines and nearby routes, including Egham, Ascot, and Woking. Work near Addlestone on the River Wey bridge and sleeper replacement in Feltham will further extend the scope of disruption. Replacement buses will operate in affected areas, with services varying daily. Passengers are advised to review the latest South Western Railway updates before travelling.
The timing of the closure is especially inconvenient for tourists planning spring trips to Windsor. As one of the UK’s most visited heritage sites, Windsor Castle draws thousands of visitors, many relying on direct train access. With no through trains from London via Staines, travel will require additional changes, longer journey times, and the use of rail-replacement buses, which could discourage spontaneous or short-stay visits.
To minimise travel disruption, visitors should explore alternate travel routes. One option is reaching Windsor via Slough and transferring to Windsor & Eton Central on the Great Western Railway. Tourists should also plan for earlier departures and monitor live transport updates, as bus replacements often operate on slower schedules. Booking accommodation closer to central Windsor could help avoid last-mile complications during the works.
While the repairs are necessary for long-term safety and reliability, the short-term impact on tourism is unavoidable. For those travelling next week, preparation and flexibility are essential. This situation highlights the broader challenge of balancing infrastructure maintenance with the needs of tourism in high-demand destinations like Windsor.