Archive GWR train image.
Train passengers have been reminded to plan ahead as cancellations hit services on lines to London over the Easter period - and while disruption on the Maidenhead to Marlow line continues.
Elizabeth line and Great Western Railway (GWR) trains between Reading and London Paddington will run a reduced schedule over four days from Good Friday (April 18) until Easter Monday (April 21).
All Maidenhead to Marlow trains have also been cancelled until Easter Sunday (April 20), with a replacement bus service being offered.
Network Rail is performing ‘vital upgrades’ on the Reading to London Paddington mainline as well as track replacement works in the Bourne End area.
Marcus Jones, Network Rail’s western route director, said: “We know that there’s never a good time to close the railway and this engineering work has been planned for a time when fewer people are travelling by train to reduce disruption.
“These upgrades will mean that passengers can continue to experience a safe and reliable railway into the future.”
Changes to schedules on the Paddington line are needed, the company says, because of upgrade works to switches and crossings in the Acton East region.
Network Rail is also installing new drainage systems and overhead line power equipment needed to power trains in preparation for the future HS2 Old Oak Common station.
GWR, Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express trains will all run a reduced services during the works.
Howard Smith, director of the Elizabeth line, said: “These essential engineering and maintenance works along the western route of the Elizabeth line will enhance the safety and reliability of the track so that we can continue to operate the best service possible.
“During this time, Elizabeth line services in the west will be running on a reduced timetable.
“We encourage customers to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journeys, and check before they travel using our website or the TfL Go app.”
Travel disruption on the Paddington line will coincide with eight days of cancellations to all Maidenhead to Marlow services, expected to finish on Easter Sunday.
Replacement buses and alternate routes to London via High Wycombe are available but GWR has warned these will take ‘much longer’.
Mian Sarwar, GWR station manager for Slough & Maidenhead, said: “This improvement work forms part of an ongoing programme of maintenance, helping to ensure we continue to provide consistent and reliable services.
“GWR will provide replacement bus services between Maidenhead, Bourne End and Marlow from Saturday 12 to Sunday 20 April.
“Further works in the Acton area will also mean that we are able to run less services than normal, and these trains are likely to be much busier.
“As an alternative, season tickets will also be valid for journeys on the line between Henley-on-Thames and Twyford for onward connections.
“Season tickets will also be valid with Chiltern Railways between High Wycombe and London Marylebone as well as London Underground services between Marylebone and Paddington.
“It’s important that customers are aware that these alternative travel arrangements will make journey times much longer, so please plan ahead.”
Altre news
Most read
Archive GWR train image.
Top Articles
Two vehicles have been involved in crash on the M4 near Slough this afternoon (March 28).
Smoke could be seen rising from smouldering remains of the fire at the scene near the railway bridge, where fire engines and police officers remained at 10pm.
Travel disruption is expected until the end of the day between Reading and London Paddington after emergency services were called to an incident in Twyford.
© Copyright 2024 Baylis Community Media CIC All right reserved
