From a report dated 25th April 13 with many thanks to Derek Buttivant
To the west of the station the new depot, on the north side of the line, is well under way with main sheds erected, track in place and electrification masts erected. It is planned to move depot operations from the "triangle" site to the new location in summer 2013. This will allow work to start on the next major project, the construction of flyovers to carry the main lines over the routes to be used by freight trains and so avoid conflict between passenger services and long freights using the Reading West curve.
East of Reading station, track and signalling is now in place through the underpass between the northernmost tracks and the Southern route to Wokingham, Guildford and Waterloo, allowing freight and ECS movements to reach that route without crossing the main lines on the level. Electrification masts are in place along the main line as far as the bridge over the river Kennet.
To the west of the station the new depot, on the north side of the line, is well under way with main sheds erected, track in place and electrification masts erected. It is planned to move depot operations from the "triangle" site to the new location in summer 2013. This will allow work to start on the next major project, the construction of flyovers to carry the main lines over the routes to be used by freight trains and so avoid conflict between passenger services and long freights using the Reading West curve.
East of Reading station, track and signalling is now in place through the underpass between the northernmost tracks and the Southern route to Wokingham, Guildford and Waterloo, allowing freight and ECS movements to reach that route without crossing the main lines on the level. Electrification masts are in place along the main line as far as the bridge over the river Kennet.
1. The new "access deck" (very large footbridge) gives superb views in both directions over the station and approaches. Here we look west from above the bay platforms 1 to 3, used for Bedwyn, Basingstoke and Cross-Country services. The canopies have yet to be built. Copyright Derek Buttivant
2. This is platform 7 (formerly 4) showing the huge scale of the new access deck. Escalators and stairs lead down to the platforms in both directions from the deck. This platform will be served principally by west of England services via the Berks & Hants route. Note that the through road, formerly used by freight trains and empty stock movements to and from Reading depot, has now been severed. This will allow the platform roads to be slewed towards the centre and platforms to be widened. Copyright Derek Buttivant
3. On the far north side of the station is platform 15, looking west, occupying the site where the signalbox formerly stood. The north entrance is at ground level beneath here. Copyright Derek Buttivant
4. Platform 15 looking north. To the left is the roof of the building housing the very long escalators and stairs down to the north entrance and car park. Beyond the signal is the junction where the reinstated dive-under line drops steeply down to pass under the main lines and join the former Southern route towards Guildford and Waterloo. Copyright Derek Buttivant
5. Looking east along platform 7 the old footbridge has been demolished and in its place is a long gantry for signals. The old station entrance and southern platforms (4,5 & 6) are to the right in the distance. On the left can be seen ongoing work to realign platform 8 (formerly 5) and erect new canopies. Copyright Derek Buttivant
6. From deck towards new depot where the electrification masts have been erected. 24Apl13 Copyright Derek Buttivant
7. View of the spacious deck interior. 24Apl13 Copyright Derek Buttivant
8. Another view of the deck interior and the views obtainable through the large windows (One hopes these are kept clean) 24Apl13 Copyright Derek Buttivant.