THE Crossrail network is being extended from Maidenhead to Reading.

The announcement from Transport for London and the Department for Transport has confirmed years of speculation that Maidenhead was not the ideal western terminus, particularly as Reading is a key hub on the Great Western network. The major remodelling still in progress at Reading was planned with such an extension in mind.

Crossrail trains will also now serve Twyford, which is the junction for Henley-on-Thames.

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. It will also make better use of the already congested Great Western Main Line, freeing up capacity for further improvements including potential direct services from Reading to Heathrow as part of the Western Access Scheme. In addition, I have requested Network Rail to look at the cost benefit analysis of increasing the number of faster trains between Reading and Paddington.”

Mayor of London Boris Johnson, said: “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.”

London Underground and London Rail managing director Mike Brown added: “Extending Crossrail to Reading will provide passengers with more journey options and will create better connections and direct services between Reading, Twyford and destinations across London without the need to interchange at Paddington.”

Labour shadow transport secretary Mary Creagh said: "Labour in government safeguarded the potential Crossrail route from Maidenhead to Reading, so we welcome the decision."

TfL and the DfT also said there will be no change to the planned Great Western services from Reading to London with twice hourly semi-fast services and fast main line services continuing to operate and call at the same stations as today.