HOLIDAYMAKERS could soon get from Oxford to Heathrow Airport in less than an hour within the next six years.

Network Rail has unveiled plans for a 30-minute high speed link between Reading and Heathrow Terminal 5, which could take the overall journey from Oxford to just 53 minutes.

Currently to make the journey to Heathrow, passengers have to change at London Paddington before taking the underground.

Alternatively they can change at Reading and take a bus to the airport, both taking more than 90 minutes.

The proposed link,slated for completion in 2021, would mean passengers travelling from Oxford would no longer have to change at London Paddington.

The plans were given the go-ahead in 2012 and have gone on show to the public for consultation.

The link, subject to planning permission, includes a 5km tunnel from the Great Western Main Line to Heathrow Terminal 5 and could bring an economic output of over £100bn.

Network Rail’s, 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.

"Together with a new link to Heathrow, these investments will mean that the route is fit for the future and able to meet the increasing demand for rail travel.”

The initial public consultation will be for those affected by station work at Reading and Slough.

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