Great Western Railway (GWR) would like to inform passengers about upcoming changes to services due to the construction work for the HS2 station at Old Oak Common, just west of London Paddington. The construction work and additional track maintenance by Network Rail will impact rail services on the following dates: Sunday, 17th November and 27th to 29th December 2024, including the usual Christmas closure on 25th and 26th December.
Service Adjustments Overview:
- 17th November: All GWR services will start/terminate at Reading. Passengers can transfer to Elizabeth Line services at Reading for connections to Ealing Broadway and London Underground services. Alternative options include Chiltern Railways from Oxford to London Marylebone and South Western Railway services into London Waterloo.
- 27th to 29th December: High-speed GWR services from Devon, Cornwall, and South Wales will be diverted to London Euston instead of Paddington. Other services will terminate at Reading, with options to connect via the Elizabeth Line and other services.
During this period, Thames Valley branch line services (Greenford, Windsor, Marlow, and Henley) will continue unaffected. However, the Heathrow Express will not operate on these dates or Saturday, 16th November.
Passengers are encouraged to plan their journeys using updated online journey planners, which include all revised routes and schedules. Additional support will be available on affected dates at London Euston, where GWR staff will assist those unfamiliar with the temporary travel arrangements.
For More Information:
- Visit the dedicated page for travel updates: GWR Travel Updates
- For details on Christmas period travel, visit: GWR Christmas Updates
Looking Ahead: The Old Oak Common HS2 station is a pivotal development for the UK’s railway network. Once operational, HS2 will enhance connections between Birmingham, London, and other major cities, easing congestion and offering faster travel times. GWR is collaborating with HS2 and other industry partners to minimise disruption during construction and to prepare for the future benefits this project will bring to passengers.
