Network Rail is reminding passengers intending to travel in the west of England over the festive period to plan their journeys in advance.

Although train services will operate as normal on most routes, there will be some changes, so it is advisable to book tickets ahead if possible and to check the details of planned journeys.

The changes to train services will enable Network Rail to carry out repair and improvement work across the network.

This work is carried out over Christmas and New Year because passenger numbers are typically much lower than at other times of the year.

This year’s engineering work will cause less disruption than engineering work over the festive season in previous years.

On the Western route, the most significant engineering work will involve renewing points at Dolphin Junction near Slough. Between ten and fourteen trains use this junction each hour, and it carries around forty million tonnes of railway traffic each year.

Work on the junction will take place between Saturday 27 December and Sunday 4 January, which will affect some train services leaving from and arriving at London Paddington station. Only two of the four tracks will be available for trains to use, so services will run to an amended timetable. Because of this, operators expect some trains to be more congested than usual.

No direct train services will run between London Paddington and Cheltenham Spa. Passengers wishing to travel between the two stations can change at Swindon or Bristol Parkway.

As happens every year, no train services will operate on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Online journey planners have up-to-date information about Christmas and New Year services. Advance tickets are available to buy on the GWR website.

Network Rail will also continue its work preparing for the building of the HS2 Old Oak Common station in west London. The work will focus on installing overhead electrical equipment.

Travel advice has also been issued for other routes and operators, including East Midlands Railway and LNER.

“We’re working hard to keep everyone moving this Christmas and to help get you where you need to be.

“Please be aware though that services will be really busy immediately before Christmas, and we also have some engineering work taking place immediately after – so book ahead for the best value, and plan your journey accordingly.”

Richard Rowland, GWR