From the Bristol Evening Post
Two more platforms will be built at Bristol Parkway station in a major investment programme to increase capacity and reduce delays for rail passengers.The extra capacity will reduce lost time when trains are forced to stop and queue for platform space at peak travel times.
Network Rail has already started work on a third platform, at a cost of ú3 million, which is ahead of schedule and is due to open in May.
The platform will be able to accommodate eight-carriage intercity trains and will have a new waiting room and electronic travel information screens.
The new platform will ease congestion for trains coming into and departing from the station, heading to London and Birmingham.
Network Rail has also just secured development money to put forward the business case to add a fourth platform on the down line services serving Wales and the West Country.
MP Doug Naysmith was given the run down on the multi-million pound expansion by Network Rail's route director Robbie Burns.
Mr Naysmith said: "I am very pleased to see this money being invested in Parkway by Network Rail
"As a passenger who regularly uses the service to London the extra platforms should reduce waiting times, which has to be good news."
Mr Burns said the London end waiting room on platform one has been demolished and will be replaced by an extended waiting area along with facilities for a customer help desk.
First Great Western is contributing ú100,000 towards the improved facilities.
He said: "More platform space will mean less waiting time for our passengers. We hope we can get an agreement for the fourth platform by the end of this year.
"There are also plans to increase the number of suburban services using Parkway, which is also good news for passengers."
The redundant platform facilities built by the Royal Mail several years ago will also be taken over by Network Rail and used as a training facility for its staff.
Car parking at Parkway is also set to be increased by about 300 to 400 spaces, which is a boost for commuters who use it as a park-and-ride.