Crossrail project set to be extended to Reading

The £15bn Crossrail project is expected to be extended from its proposed western terminus in Maidenhead to Reading.

The news was discussed at a Maidenhead Town Forum meeting last night, where the Royal Borough's planning infrastructure and regeneration manager Gail Kenyon said she had been informed of the plans.

She said she thought for a 'long time' that the project was 'bound to go to Reading'.

The move is likely to mean Twyford will be added to the line, connecting passengers with the West End and financial district in London in less than an hour when it is completed in 2019.

The meeting took place at Maidenhead Town Hall.

Update:

The Government confirmed this morning that Crossrail would be extended to Twyford and Reading.

The Department for Transport (DfT) and Transport for London (TfL) has instructed Crossrail to extend the route to allow two trains an hour to run from Reading.

Rail Minister Stephen Hammond said: "Crossrail reaching Reading is further proof of our commitment to deliver a transport network fit for the 21st century. 

"It will improve connectivity and deliver greater choice and convenience for passengers travelling into London."

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, added: "I am thrilled that the people of Reading and Twyford will be able to take advantage of Crossrail, putting them on the doorstep of London's main employment centres by directly linking them to the City and West End in world-class style."

Crossrail will still serve Maidenhead with four trains per hour.