FLYOVERS could be built along sections of the county’s rail lines as part of plans to cope with extra passengers.

The proposals are part of Network Rail’s publication of the draft Western route study. The line between Oxford and Didcot is considered a major pressure point and options are being considered to build a rail flyover east of Didcot so that express trains from London and Reading could head towards Oxford without being held up. A flyover at Oxford North junction, where the line to Bicester leaves the Oxford to Banbury route, is also being considered.

Flyovers, or flying junctions, are used so one track can cross another track and avoid other train movement.

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The study is open for consultation until January, and looks at the demands that will be placed on the Great Western Main Line over the next 30 years, with demand for journeys into London set to double.

The study outlines options on how these demands can be met, including increasing the capacity of the network, making changes to train services, increasing their frequency and increasing the number of carriages.

Network Rail managing director for the Western route Patrick Hallgate said: “The Western route is already one of the busiest in the country and is currently undergoing a major programme of investment including electrification, new track and signalling, and a new fleet of electric trains to make sure it is fit for the future.

“But there is more we will need to do to keep up with the continuing growth in demand.”

Consultation is open until January 9, 2015 with the final version of the document expected to be published in spring 2015.

Anyone who would like to comment should visit networkrail.co.uk

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