THOSE looking to travel to London this Sunday are being encouraged to have a lie-in, as Paddington station is due to open later as a result of engineering work.
Overnight track renewal works are planned between Reading and the London mainline station, and is now expected to be completed by 8am.
It will affect GWR and Elizabeth Line services on Sunday, May 12.
Network Rail says the works are to replace some sleepers, and by delaying opening time, it will prevent a temporary speed restriction being imposed on the network.
Marcus Jones, managing director for Network Rail’s Western Route, said: “We’re sorry for the inconvenience this work may cause passengers on Sunday morning.
“The need for this additional work was identified while our teams were carrying out planned track renewals overnight this week as part of our £140m Thames Valley Performance Improvement Plan and has to be completed before services can operate.
“As services will start later and may be subject to change, it’s important that those planning to travel via London Paddington on Sunday morning plan their journey in advance.”
Sunday, May 12 disruptions
Network Rail says the following Great Western Railway services will be:
6.20am – Reading to London Paddington – cancelled
7.36am – London Paddington to Great Malvern – starts at Oxford
7.38am – London Paddington to Didcot Parkway – starts at Reading
7.51am – London Paddington to Penzance – delayed by around 10 minutes
8am – London Paddington to Exeter St Davids – delayed by around three minutes.
Elizabeth Line
There will also be no Elizabeth Line services between London Paddington and Ealing Broadway until 9am.
Passengers planning to travel before this time are advised to use London Underground or bus services. Information on alternative routes can be found using TfL’s Journey Planner: Plan a journey – Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk)
Passengers using mainline services can check their journeys in advance at Great Western Railway (gwr.com) or National Rail Enquiries.
