Network Rail begins £27.8m Dolphin Junction upgrade

Network Rail will carry out a £27.8 million project to modernise Dolphin Junction in Slough, one of the busiest sections of the Great Western Main Line.

The scheme will involve replacing ageing points, improving the track layout, and upgrading overhead line equipment to improve reliability for passengers travelling between London Paddington and the Thames Valley.

Ross Mahoney, project director for Network Rail’s Great Western route, said: "Dolphin Junction is one of the busiest and most important parts of the Great Western Main Line, carrying thousands of passengers every day between London, the Thames Valley, the South West and Wales.

"This investment will replace ageing equipment with modern technology and improve the track layout, helping trains move through the junction more smoothly and efficiently.

"This will mean less congestion and more reliable journeys for passengers across the route."

The upgrade will require two periods of line closures. The first will take place on Saturday, November 28, and Sunday, November 29, with the main phase of work scheduled from Christmas Day to Sunday, January 3, inclusive.

During these times, trains will not run to or from London Paddington.

Services will instead start and finish at Reading or use diversionary routes to London Euston.

Alternative connections via Waterloo and Marylebone will also be available.

Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express passengers are advised to check before travelling.

Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express services will begin returning from New Year’s Eve, with GWR services to Paddington set to resume from Monday, January 4.

Richard Rowland, operations director at GWR, said: "Our priority over Christmas is making sure customers can still get where they need to go.

"Although trains won’t run into London Paddington for a short period, we’ve worked closely with Network Rail and our industry partners to put alternative routes in place, including GWR services from London Euston and connections via Waterloo and Marylebone.

"This does however mean some journeys may take longer than usual, so we ask anyone travelling to or from London during this period to plan ahead and check before they travel.

"Our teams will be on hand to help customers along the way."

Around 400 passenger trains carrying more than 100,000 passengers pass through Dolphin Junction each day.

The upgrade builds on recent investment through the Thames Valley Performance Improvement Programme and is intended to provide a more reliable railway for years to come.

Passengers can check updated journey planners and find more information at the Great Western Railway website or National Rail.