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Monday 23 Dec 2019

Longer platforms at Feltham to reduce crowding at station

Region & Route:

Southern: Wessex

The first part of a project to improve passenger journeys on a busy commuter line in Hounslow has been completed.

Platforms at Feltham station have been lengthened by 40 metres to allow 10 car trains on South West Railway (SWR) - which have been in operation for a while - from London Waterloo to Reading via Ascot to stop. This makes journeys better for passengers by reducing platform crowding.

The project to improve the station and the surrounding area started in August 2018. When complete next September, it will include a new station entrance linked directly to the bus stops by fully accessible ramps and the building of a dual-purpose bridge for cyclists and pedestrians which replaces the previous bridge that provided access across the railway and into the shopping centre

London Borough of Hounslow are upgrading the surrounding highway and widening Hounslow road bridge.

These improvements will help provide smoother passenger journeys and a safer railway environment. Feltham West level crossing was the second highest risk crossing of its type on the SWR network with a history of deliberate misuse.

Its closure in March 2019 removes the risk completely and improves safety at the station.

Mark Killick, Wessex route director, said: “The first part of the project to improve passenger journeys in Feltham is complete.

“It will bring much-needed relief for commuters and passengers on the busy Reading line from London Waterloo, and I want to apologise for the disruption while the work took place.

“We will press ahead, working with our partners to deliver better journeys for passengers.”