Train Changes Over Christmas

27 December 2011, 08:36 | Updated: 27 December 2011, 10:49

There will be changes to services at train stations across the Thames Valley in the lead up to the New Year.

Those travelling to and from Reading Station and from Oxford to Didcot will be affected.

The work at Reading is part of a multi-million pound revamp and includes new platforms and changing platform numbers.

Network Rail project director, Bill Henry, has told Heart what's happening:

"We've spent months preparing for the work we’ll be doing at Christmas and it’s another huge milestone in delivering our drive to transform Reading’s railway.

"A host of changes will be rung over the festive period which the public should be aware of, including a change to platform numbers at the station, as a new platform is being added, and a temporary diversion at Cow Lane while a new bridge is constructed."

The 1,600 tonne bridge has been put in place over Cow Lane late on Boxing Day and trains will start running again from Wednesday 28 December after we have replaced the tracks.

Mr Henry added: "This is obviously a huge task and we're very thankful for the patience of near-by residents, as well as drivers who will be using diversions until the work finishes on 30 January 2012."

The new station, including two new entrances, is expected to be opened by Easter 2013.

There's a bus replacement service running between Reading and Wokingham from 27 December to 30 December.

There will be no services between Oxford and Didcot Parkway in either direction from 27 December to 2 January with replacement buses running.