Trains will continue to operate as normal for most passengers across the west this Christmas, but passengers are being urged to plan their journey before travelling and book ahead if possible. While some repairs and improvements are scheduled across the network over Christmas and New Year when passenger numbers are typically much lower, the impact of this year’s engineering work is less than in previous years. From Saturday 27 December to Sunday 4 January, track renewal work will affect some train services to and from London Paddington, with trains running to an amended timetable because only two out of four tracks will be available. No direct services will run between London Paddington and Cheltenham Spa, although passengers can change at Swindon or Bristol Parkway. As usual, no trains will operate on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.

Journey planners are up to date with information covering Christmas and New Year to help passengers find service information. Marcus Jones, Network Rail’s Western route managing director, said: “Far fewer people travel by rail between Christmas and New Year compared to a normal working week, which gives us a valuable opportunity to deliver major upgrades for passengers whilst causing as little disruption as possible. Trains will continue to run across the vast majority of the Western route over the festive period but some services will be affected by our engineering work, so please make sure to plan ahead through National Rail Enquiries or with your train operator.”

Richard Rowland from GWR added: “We’re working hard to keep everyone moving this Christmas and to help get you where you need to be. Please be aware though that services will be really busy immediately before Christmas, and we also have some engineering work taking place immediately after – so book ahead for the best value, and plan your journey accordingly.”

Network Rail will also continue work required for the construction of HS2’s Old Oak Common station in west London, focusing on installing overhead electrical equipment to power trains. Passengers are encouraged to check journey planners and train operator updates to ensure smoother travel during the festive period.

Image: Network Rail