Bedwyn extension ensures direct Great Western Railway services

As part of Great Western Railway’s plan to operate new five-car bi-mode Intercity Express Trains between Paddington and Bedwyn, the turnback siding west of the Wiltshire station will be extended to accommodate longer trains.

The work involves moving a pedestrian crossing to a new location. This will take place in late August during a planned closure, as part of wider electrification works on the route through Newbury.

GWR aims to run Hitachi IET services from next January. They will run on electric wires as far as Newbury, and be diesel-hauled beyond that.

The busy commuter service is currently operated by Class 165 Turbo trains, which are due to be cascaded to the West Country. Without the upgrade, Bedwyn and Hungerford faced losing direct services to London, with commuters forced to change trains at Newbury.

Bedwyn was previously on the western edge of the former Network Rail South East routes, later becoming Thames Trains prior to incorporation within the larger Great Western franchise.

The Bedwyn Trains Passenger Group warns that shortage of parking remains an issue.

Secretary Steve Smith said: “Due to a proposed housing development, Hungerford is set to lose 80 car parking spaces at its station. This will undoubtedly push more cars to Bedwyn. We are currently working with GWR to identify land that could be used as a station car park.

“Meanwhile our shop and post office are losing trade because local people are finding it difficult to park. If you make use of our station, please consider making use of our shop.”