Reading station revealed
Images released on future of Reading station ahead of public consultation on multimillion pound modernisation plans.
Heart's been given an artist’s impression of how Reading station will look after multimillion pound modernisation.
Network Rail's released the images in advance of a public exhibition on plans for Reading’s railway, to be held in Reading Town Hall from Thursday 20 to Saturday 22 May.
Tony Walker, Network Rail’s scheme sponsor for the Reading project said:
“Reading’s residents and commuters were really positive about our plans for the station when we consulted them a couple of years ago. I’m keen to give people an update on our scheme and get their views before we start construction in earnest.
“The work we’re doing in Reading is one of the biggest pieces of railway investment anywhere in the country right now. I urge everyone who lives in Reading or uses the station to come along to the Town Hall and find out about the benefits and how they’re affected by our plans.”
Network Rail, in conjunction with Reading Borough Council, want to enlarge and modernise Reading station, building two new entrances connected by a brand new footbridge, relieving congestion for Reading’s commuters. New lifts and escalators will make it easier to get about the station, and five extra platforms will provide more space for trains.
The improvements to the station are just one part of Network Rail’s plans for Reading’s railway, which involve the construction of a viaduct to untangle the tracks to the west of the station, boosting capacity and cutting delays.
The majority of the work to rebuild Reading station and the surrounding railway will be undertaken without affecting train services.
However there will be times when passengers using Reading station will be affected. The first of these will be this Christmas (2010), when the station will close for a number of days while the first phase of work is completed.
Find out more:
Network Rail engineers and project managers will be on hand at the Town Hall exhibition to answer questions about the future for Reading’s railway.
The Reading exhibition will be held in the Waterhouse Chamber, Reading Town Hall (Blagrave Street, RG1 1QH), except on the Thursday evening when it will relocate to Reading station. It will be open at the following times:
Thursday 20 May, 10.00 – 16.00
Thursday 20 May, 17.00 – 20.00 (Reading station)
Friday 21 May, 10.00 – 20.00
Saturday 22 May, 10.00 – 14.00
The exhibition follows a full public consultation on Network Rail’s plans for Reading in 2008.
Further details on trains next Christmas and alternative travel arrangements will also be available.