Month-long works begin
Travellers planning to head to the capital this January should prepare for a month of slower journeys and detours.
Great Western Railway (GWR) has announced a reduced schedule for services between Devon and London Paddington to allow for essential track upgrades near Swindon.
If you are planning to travel, keep these specific dates and changes in mind:
Every weekend in January, direct routes to Paddington will be diverted through Newbury. While the views may be better, travel times will be significantly longer.
Sunday 4 January: Most services will terminate at Reading rather than reach Paddington. Passengers will need to transfer to local services to complete their journey.
Start Date: Disruptions begin on Friday 2 January.
Passengers are being encouraged to consider South Western Railway (SWR) services into London Waterloo as an alternative, that route offers little relief.
SWR is nursing its own "New Year hangover," with separate major engineering works scheduled throughout January, so expect similar delays and potential crowding.
Rail bosses are urging everyone to check amended timetables online before leaving home.
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