Reading station improvements
Reading Station is undergoing a transformation programme as part of the wider £850m Reading Improvement scheme. While Reading Borough Council is delivering improvements to public spaces at the front and rear of the station, Network Rail is delivering the station and track upgrade that began in 2010 and is due to be completed by summer 2015, one year ahead of schedule.
Once complete, customers will enjoy more reliable services, ultra-modern facilities and improved journeys from a station that is equipped to cater for increased future passenger demand.
Over the 2013 Easter break, the most extensive phase yet of the Reading Station improvement project was completed. Since April 2013 customers at the station have benefitted from:
- a spectacular new passenger bridge improving access to all platforms
- two additional entrances to the north and south of the station
- four enhanced new platforms coming into service
- more than 100 new customer information screens
In the next few months customers can expect to see further improvements as work continues to complete the upgrade of all platforms.
Remaining platforms 1-3 & 7 -11 will be refurbished, with lengthened platforms to create room for longer trains, new platform canopies and better waiting room facilities. This August, platform 11 will enter into service as platform 7 is taken out of use temporarily to allow for upgrade works. Platform 7 will then re-enter use in September 2013.
Work to complete platform 10 and 11 are on target and are expeced to be fully open by Februrary 2014.
Future works
- Summer 2013 will see the completion of the new improved train care depot that replaces the former depot, which had to be moved north of the tracks from the south to allow for the new viaduct on the western approach to the station.
- By spring 2015, the new viaduct will be completed, allowing more room for trains and provide an alternative route for freight services, meaning fewer delays to passenger services entering or leaving Reading.
- There are also ongoing track and signalling improvements to promote smoother, more reliable train journeys and to put in place overhead line structures that will carry the new state-of-the-art electric trains, which will eventually serve Reading.
- The Reading Station Improvement Project is due to be completed by summer 2015.
More information
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For more information check www.networkrail.co.uk/reading
