The £75,000 to put the line into shape may have seemed a negotiating ploy, but the GWR soon launched into major upgrading work; within weeks the track was relaid; Lambourn station was extended and a new station at Newbury West Fields was opened on 1 October 1906. Better accommodation and standard-height platforms were provided at most of the intermediate stations; a modern telephone system was installed and the electric tablet system of signalling was installed, with an intermediate block post at Welford Park.