On Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November, and between Sunday 27 December and Sunday 3 January, Network Rail will be replacing the eastern side of Dolphin Junction, near Slough, installing track in a new layout to support more reliable journeys to and from London Paddington.
During these periods, passengers are advised to allow extra time and check journey planners before travelling. When London Paddington is unavailable, alternative routes via London Euston, London Waterloo and London Marylebone will be available, alongside TfL services across London and the Thames Valley. Full details are available at GWR.com/Upgrade. You can also find additional information from National Rail here and from Network Rail here.
The majority of GWR services will start and finish at Reading, with long-distance services from South Wales and the West of England (Bristol area) diverted to London Euston. GWR’s Thames Valley branch line services will continue to operate, with the exception of the Greenford branch. Connections to central London will also be available via SWR services to London Waterloo and Chiltern Railways services to London Marylebone respectively.
Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express services are also affected, starting again from New Year’s Eve. GWR services to and from London Paddington will resume as normal from Monday 4 January.
Journey planners are now up to date with travel information through to 4 January, allowing passengers to plan their Christmas and New Year journeys in advance.