Crossrail project extended to Reading
When the line fully opens in 2019, two trains per hour will run on the Crossrail route from Reading which will allow passengers to travel to Twyford and parts of central London without the need to change trains.
According to rail minister Stephen Hammond, extending the project will also free up capacity on the congested Great Western Main Line for further improvements, such as direct trains from Reading to Heathrow.
The Crossrail project was initially planned to begin at Shenfield, Essex, and terminate at Maidenhead.
Its extension to Reading will also create some savings to the scheme, as it will reduce infrastructure improvement work at Maidenhead and Slough stations, with the relevant improvements already made as part of the recent revamp project at Reading station.
Newbury MP Richard Benyon said he was delighted with the news.
“I had a meeting with the chief executive of Crossrail, Terry Morgan, on Tuesday and I heard the good news, and I’m absolutely delighted.
“This, along with the new rail link to Heathrow, is an extraordinary boost to this area and this part of the Thames Valley and will have a dramatic impact on a lot of my constituents so I’m absolutely delighted.”
The announcement has also been welcomed by Reading West MP Alok Sharma, who said: “The increase in capacity between Reading and London will help to ease some of the congestion on this busy line.
“This announcement is a clear recognition of Reading’s importance as an economic powerhouse and will improve further Reading’s access to the City of London and Canary Wharf.”
What are you views on the extension? Let reporter Ellis Barker know by emailing ellis.barker@newburynews.co.uk