Train services are running between New Malden and Twickenham again after Network Rail engineers carried out four days of improvements to the railway.

In Kingston, engineers replaced 25 pairs of wheel timbers, the long blocks that support the tracks, on Kingston River Bridge. The team also carried out general maintenance in the area to improve the reliability of services in south west London.

The new wheel timbers, made of Fibre-reinforced Foamed Urethane (FFU), will have a life span of up to 50 years meaning fewer closures will be needed for maintenance. These replaced the old wooden wheel timbers which had reached the end of their serviceable life.

With the line closed, engineers took the opportunity to complete a range of supporting maintenance work in the area. This includes carrying out maintenance to the signalling in Teddington after the completed 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. Together, this work will help to keep the railway safe and reliable for passengers.

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."