West Country trains diverted to Ealing Broadway over festive period

Rail passengers have been told to prepare for major disruption during the festive period as a number of lines close for engineering work.

Network Rail, which manages rail infrastructure, is carrying out up to 200 improvement projects over Christmas, with some beginning on Christmas Eve to give engineers four days to carry out upgrades.

No trains will operate in or out of London Paddington between December 24 and 29 because of work on the new Crossrail rail link. Delays are expected for a few days.

Plan ahead and travel early is the message from Great Western Railway.

Network Rail gave this explanation as to why they picked the Christmas holidays:

Credit: PA

Network Rail said such work is carried out through the year but larger 'essential upgrades' take place on bank holidays as there are less passengers travelling on the network.

LATEST TRAVEL INFORMATION:

No train services will be able to operate from Christmas Eve up to and including Thursday 29 December between London Paddington and Ealing Broadway.

Passengers will be able to change at Ealing Broadway for London Underground services.

As there is no step-free access at Ealing, GWR tickets will also be valid via the following London stations:

  • Euston; To and from the Hereford area (change at Birmingham New Street)

  • Marylebone; To and from the Oxford area (change at Oxford)

  • Waterloo; To and from Bristol, South Wales, the South West and Basingstoke (change at Reading)