Network Rail are rebuilding the railway at Reading Station to provide for more trains, fewer delays, and a bigger, more accessible station.

With passenger numbers at Reading set to double by 2030, Network Rail are increasing the capacity of the railway, constructing a new track layout and building five new platforms at the station. The station will also benefit from two new entrances and a new passenger footbridge with step access to platforms.

What's happening at Reading?

Reading is a critical rail hub, linking destinations such as , Waterloo, Bristol, South and Oxford.

Network Rail's scheme will bring a number of benefits for Reading residents and rail users:

A better station. Network Rail are building five new platforms at Reading station and a new passenger footbridge with escalators and lifts providing step-free access to all platforms.

A better railway. Network Rail are rebuilding the railway outside Reading station to provide capacity for more . This will enable the station to cope as demand for train services increases.

Fewer . The new track and platforms will mean that trains won't need to queue while approaching the station and can still run if there are temporary problems with other services.

More freight capacity. The new track they're building will provide space for six extra freight trains each day – this could take around 200 lorries a day off the roads. Rail freight has only a quarter of the carbon footprint of lorry freight.

Bridges on Cow Lane. Network Rail will widen both bridges along Cow Lane to reduce congestion and allow double-decker buses to pass through. We'll also build a new cycle way and .

Christmas 2010 works

The first time you're likely to notice our work at Reading is over the Christmas and New Year period 2010–11, when trains will be unable to serve Reading station for a number of days while we complete the first phase of the work.

Network Rail are working closely with and other train operating to minimise the impact of this work on your journeys. There will be a frequent, efficient, replacement bus timetable, and plenty of staff on hand to help you on your journey.

The work will last from late on Christmas Eve until the early hours of the morning of 4th . However we've planned our work so that trains can serve the station at certain busy times, such as New Year's Eve and on the New Year bank holiday weekend.

Network Rail will make full details of our work at Christmas available well in advance in order to help you plan your journeys.

Press Release from Network Rail