Reading station delays warning as upgrade works ramped up

A new passenger bridge is the centrepiece of Reading station's £897m redevelopment

Passengers are warned to expect "major disruptions" as the £895m Reading train station upgrade enters its biggest phase yet.

Some people will have to plan alternative routes from Friday as 10 days of planned changes to train services starts during Easter.

Network Rail hopes to cram in 20 weekends' worth of work in the period.

However, it said four new platforms, two entrances and a new link bridge were set to be operational by 2 April.

'On target'

Programme director Bill Henry said Network Rail appreciated passengers would be inconvenienced but there was no alternative.

Passengers are advised to check for changes to platforms their trains arrive and depart from during the 10-day period.

Mark Hopwood, First Great Western managing director, said it was the "most extensive" phase of the upgrade yet.

He added: "Many journeys will be affected and I'd encourage anyone travelling through Reading and surrounding stations during this period to check their journeys before they travel."

About 12 months of further works are planned after the first phase of the project opens next month.

They include demolishing the old link bridge and replacing old canopies and platforms.

Works started in spring 2011 and are on course to be completed one year ahead of schedule in 2015.