Plans for a new rail link between Heathrow Airport and the Great Western main line have been revealed in the same week as construction of a fourth platform at Manchester Airport station got under way.

Network Rail’s £500M ‘Western Rail Access Programme' proposals for Heathrow will allow passengers to travel from Reading, via Slough, to the airport on a direct service.

Network Rail route managing director Patrick Hallgate said the plans would “dramatically improve rail links and reduce congestion on existing rail services.”

Meanwhile work started at Manchester Airport on Friday on the £600M 'Northern Hub' rail project, which promises to help stimulate economic growth in the region.

Direct rail access to Heathrow from the west could result in journey time reductions of 45 minutes from Cardiff and 27 minutes from Reading for passengers who currently travel into London before changing to airport services.

Slough Borough Council chief executive Ruth Bagley said: “Better access to Heathrow has long been a priority for the business community, Local Enterprise Partnerships and air passengers.”

She added that it could deliver over £2Bn in economic benefits and over 40,000 jobs.

The proposals would see a new junction, to be completed in 2021, between Langley and Iver stations, linking with a 5km long tunnel for trains to access Terminal 5.

Heathrow chief executive Colin Matthews said: “Western Rail Access will build on the strength of Heathrow’s location, helping to make sure the UK benefits from the growth opportunities global connectivity brings.”

(Photo: Mattbuck)

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