Railway bridge reconstruction is expected to cause misery for commuters when it begins on April Fool’s Day.

Network Rail plans a partial replacement of the railway bridge at Hersham station.

The works will allow trains to continue running safely overhead and require a full road closure for the duration of the works, which are scheduled to last until April 15.

Molesey Road will be closed between Walton Park and Broad Close between April 1 and 11.

The building project has been planned to coincide with the Easter holidays, during which time the bridge will be completely closed, with a 24-hour mini-bridge for pedestrians to get from one side to the other.

The line itself will be closed for a 100-hour period over the Easter weekend, from April 6 to 9.

A replacement bus service between Woking and Surbiton will run over that period.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “We have taken steps to keep disruption to a minimum for passengers, our line side neighbours and we thank them in advance for their patience while we carry out this critical work to keep the railway running safely.”

Roy Green, chairman of Hersham Village Society, welcomed the news, but voiced fears over congestion.

He said: “It’s needed it for the past 50 years. It will cause a lot of disruption. I think it will be a nightmare.

“I do welcome the rebuild but I wish they would rebuild the station because it’s a disgusting station.”