Rail passengers travelling between South Wales and London are being advised to prepare for substantial disruption to services over the next six years, particularly during the Christmas period. The construction of a new HS2 station at Old Oak Common in West London will necessitate widespread alterations to train services running between London Paddington and key destinations in South Wales, the South West, and Heathrow Airport.
The work, part of the HS2 project, will result in recurring closures and reduced services at peak times, particularly over the festive season, with these disruptions set to last until the end of the decade. Great Western Railway (GWR) has issued a series of warnings and outlined alternative travel plans to help passengers manage these changes.
Christmas Disruptions to Continue for Six Years
The most significant disruption will occur during the Christmas period each year, with no services running between London Paddington and key destinations in South Wales and the South West over several days. In 2024, for instance, there will be no mainline services between Friday, 27 December, and Sunday, 29 December. This shutdown follows the traditional Christmas closures, extending the period during which rail services are unavailable.
Passengers should prepare for similar closures in subsequent years, with the most severe disruption planned for Christmas 2028. During that year, an 18-day closure will stretch into early January, affecting commuters returning to work after the holidays.
Additional Disruptions in November 2024
In addition to the Christmas closures, rail services will face a significant reduction over the weekend of 16-17 November 2024. On Saturday, 16 November, fewer trains will run between London Paddington and Reading, with no mainline services operating to Heathrow Airport. Passengers travelling to Heathrow will need to use the Piccadilly Line on the London Underground.
The following day, Sunday, 17 November, will see no services between London Paddington and Ealing Broadway. In response, GWR will divert its long-distance trains, including those from South Wales, to London Euston. These services will operate on a reduced timetable and will not stop at Reading, meaning passengers will need to adjust their plans if they usually connect at this station.
While this diversion will ensure continued services to central London, passengers should expect journey times to increase by around 15 minutes. GWR has also warned that additional engineering works between Reading and Ealing Broadway may extend travel times even further.
Alternative Services
For the November weekend, GWR has outlined alternative services to minimise disruption. Trains will operate on routes including:
- Reading to Bristol Temple Meads, via Bath Spa
- Reading to Exeter St Davids, Paignton, and Plymouth, via Taunton
- Reading to Worcester, Great Malvern, and Hereford, via Oxford
- Reading to Swindon, with some services extending to Cardiff Central
Branch line services between Slough and Windsor, Maidenhead and Marlow, and Twyford and Henley-on-Thames will operate as usual. The Night Riviera sleeper service from Penzance will be diverted to London Euston, arriving there on Monday, 18 November.
During these periods of disruption, passengers will be able to use the Elizabeth Line as an alternative for travel between Reading, London Paddington, and key destinations like Shenfield and Heathrow Airport. Other connections to central London will remain available through the London Underground, with services continuing to run at Paddington station on lines such as the Bakerloo, Hammersmith & City, Circle, and District lines.
Long-Term Impact of HS2 Construction
The ongoing disruption is a direct result of the construction of the new Old Oak Common station, a major development linked to the HS2 project. Located around three miles west of London Paddington, this new station will be one of the largest and busiest in the UK once completed. It is expected to serve as a key transport hub for both HS2 and conventional rail services, with 14 platforms in total. Six of these will be for HS2 high-speed services, while eight will cater to Great Western Main Line and other conventional rail services.
Until the full HS2 route to London Euston is operational, Old Oak Common will act as the terminus for high-speed services to and from the West Midlands. This station is seen as a crucial link between London and major cities across the country, connecting passengers from the North and Midlands to the South of England.
Minimising Disruption
Rail operators are making efforts to minimise the impact on passengers, although the extent of the disruption means some inconvenience is unavoidable. A spokesperson for the operator has explained that, after considering several options, London Euston was selected as the alternative station for diverted services due to its suitability for high-speed trains and its relatively short diversion time.
Passengers using services that are diverted to Euston will face extended travel times of approximately 15 minutes. For most passengers, services to central London will remain possible, though some long-distance routes will terminate at Reading or Ealing Broadway. Connections will be provided to central London through the Elizabeth Line and other services, ensuring that passengers can still reach their destinations despite the closures.
The operator has emphasised that while every effort is being made to minimise delays, passengers should be prepared for the possibility of longer journey times, especially during peak disruption periods. Detailed travel plans and timetables will be issued in advance of each major closure, allowing passengers to make alternative arrangements where necessary.
Preparing for the Future
The six-year disruption caused by the construction of Old Oak Common station and the broader HS2 project is set to be one of the most significant challenges facing rail passengers travelling between South Wales, the South West, and London. As the work continues, passengers will need to stay informed and plan their journeys carefully, particularly during periods of major closures such as Christmas and other public holidays.
While rail operators are working to provide alternative services and minimise delays, the sheer scale of the engineering work means that travel on these routes will be affected for years to come. By preparing for longer journey times and potential changes to travel plans, passengers can navigate this disruption with as little inconvenience as possible.
The planned rail disruptions, linked to the construction of the new HS2 station at Old Oak Common, will have a major impact on train services between South Wales, the South West, and London for the next six years. While operators are offering alternative routes and diversions, passengers should expect longer journey times and multiple closures during key travel periods, particularly at Christmas. With these changes expected to continue until 2030, passengers are advised to stay up to date with the latest travel information and plan accordingly to manage the disruption effectively.
