Media centre

Wednesday 24 Sep 2008

THOUSANDS SHARE THE VISION FOR READING RAILWAY

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Southern: Wessex

| Wales & Western

| Southern

More than a thousand people saw the future of the railway at Reading as they joined Network Rail at its roadshow, which unveiled plans to provide a better station and more trains for passengers.

Visitors learnt about the scheme’s benefits and shared their thoughts directly with Network Rail’s managers who lead the scheme. Network Rail is now reviewing the response from the exhibitions, which have been overwhelmingly positive and encourage those who have not yet commented to do so.

Rupert Walker, project director, Network Rail says, “We really appreciate the public for coming along to share their thoughts. This roadshow has been a huge success. Our next big task is to review the feedback you have given us and use it to fine-tune our plans and get on with the job.”

Developing the project will be a joint effort between Network Rail, First Great Western and Reading Borough Council. They will be working closely to deliver a cohesive plan that will bring benefits to passengers and people in Reading over the next eight years and beyond.

By 2010:

- More reliable services with modernised signalling control at Thames Valley signalling centre

By 2012:

- Five new platforms and three platform extentions to improve capacity at station

- A new northern entrance to the station, linking Reading town centre and river Thames

By 2014:

- Fewer delays and more trains with more tracks and an elevated railway

- Wider Cow Lane Bridges with two carriageways with a new cycle way and pavement for cyclists and pedestrians.

A further presentation including more detailed plans is planned for next year.

Network Rail is still welcoming comments from Reading’s residents and rail users, they may share their feedback by emailing Readingconsultation@networkrail.co.uk, call 0207 557 8251 or visit www.networkrail.co.uk/reading