GW Main Line

[gwr4090]

I see from Rail that the idea of adding a fifth (bidirectional) running line over some stretches of the GW main line between London and Reading has once again resurfaced. A bidirectional line between the up and down relief lines would improve operational flexibility for accommodating additional GW outer suburban services and freights between Crossrail trains. I vaguely recall that BR (or was it Railtrack) sought Parliamentary approval for this in the 1990s. There is already a fifth (goods) line over some stretches which could form the basis for the extra line, although it would be very difficult to add a fifth line east of the Southall area. Nevertheless it might reduce the need to squeeze additional trains between 125mph services on the mainlines.

David

 

[cle]

Makes sense - it really needs to be a six track railway, especially if speeds over 125mph are planned for the medium term which would knock anything 90/100/110mph off the fast lines.

So this is a decent solution - would allow faster relief services to overtake slower ones and indeed, freights to layover. Slough station will also offer these if I recall it correctly.

 

[swt_passenger]

Iver and West Drayton have 5th platforms on a bidirectional loop under Crossrail's plans. Slough only got a west facing bay, which has now been cancelled, following the extension to Reading.

This pdf is a few years old and pre-dates any recent changes at Slough or Maidenhead, I haven't seen any more recent layouts, has anyone?