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Disruption between Hayes & Harlington and London Paddington expected until 15:00

Damage to Overhead wires between Hayes & Harlington and London Paddington is causing disruption to journeys between these stations.

Services may be cancelled, revised or delayed by up to 40 minutes. This is expected to continue until 15:00.

Sat, 13 January 14:00 London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads due 15:41
13/01/18 14:00 London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads due 15:41 will be starting late from London Paddington and is expected to be 15 minutes late.
This is due to damage to the overhead electric wires.

And it's having long-term effects. JourneyCheck is reporting:

Due to failure of the electricity supply at Reading some lines are blocked.

The 07.01 (Turbo) from Maidenhead to Paddington arrived with 3 of 6 carriages locked out of service - no mention of this by the driver or platform staff so perhaps they were oblivious to the mess unfolding.
The 3 remaining carriages were miserable and a woman near me collapsed to the floor around Hayes. 

Utter disgrace.

Let's hope GWR doesn't try to mask its awful start to the new timetable by blaming trees and suicides for it all.  It goes much deeper than that!

It's been elaborated to read :
The power supply has failed at Reading Depot which means that the GWR Electrostar service between Didcot Parkway and London Paddington is disrupted. Network Rail colleagues are due on site imminently.

Due to a train hitting an obstruction on the line between Didcot Parkway and Oxford all lines are blocked.
Impact: Train services running through these stations may be cancelled or delayed. Disruption is expected until 14:00 04/01.
Though trees are not infrastructure. And an obstruction can take various forms.

A trampoline hit and smashed the windscreen of a train

Should be included in house insurance?

These trampolines are a menace.

They are, causing all sorts of delays when they get blown onto the line. An absolute nuisance to Network Rail, TOCs and passengers.

Best stay at home then? 😡

Cancellations to services on all routes
Due to a fault with the signalling system at London Paddington all lines are blocked.
Train services running across the whole Great Western Railway network may be cancelled or delayed. Disruption is expected until 10:00 09/01.
Customer Advice
Due to a fault with the signalling system at London Paddington services across a majority of the network are expected to be disrupted this morning

And that starts with why isn't 1P10 in P10/11 anyway? There's a gap for it to do that.

A fault with the signalling system between Maidenhead and Slough is causing disruption to journeys between Reading and Slough.

Services may be cancelled or delayed by up to 20 minutes.

Disruption is expected to continue until 17:00.

Whilst it may look like there is a gap at Reading, there isn't a sufficient gap at Didcot for it to get across from the Relief Lines onto the Main Lines. There is freight paths through Platform 3 shortly after its departure, so it isn't possible to hold the 387 in the platform that bit longer to go behind the Bristol-Paddington. I could see this train perhaps starting from Swindon when the wires eventually extend that far, it could then run just behind the Bristol-Paddington service from Swindon and use the Main Lines throughout. When the 110mph running times are used it could be quite a fast service from Didcot.

In reply to lordgoata, the 7:03 (1P08) was cancelled at Goring in the sense that it ran on the Main Lines so didn't stop. It may have stopped at Tilehurst - RTT suggests it did, but isn't able to clearly show that. I imagine the idea was that it would get back in front of yours (1P11), but it didn't - it tagged along behind it all the rest of the way.

Of course - I was only thinking about using the Main Line from Reading, and forgetting that there's nowhere to do that switch between Didcot East and Kennet Bridge. It wasn't thought useful when Reading was redesigned, so the crossovers at Reading West that were lost were not replaced.

Point of information...
A train on the Up Relief could cross to the Festival line at Reading West Junction, then into Reading platforms 7 or 8, then up along the Down Main to Kennet Bridge.  At the cost of crossing the Down Relief on the flat at Reading West Junction, and tying up the Down Main, and causing untold confusion on the transfer deck at Reading.

So possibly not a very useful crossover.

Due to failure of the electricity supply between Hayes & Harlington and London Paddington some lines towards London Paddington are blocked.

Now expected not to be rectified until 22:00 Thursday.

It may be that was the worst case being quoted, this is now updated to:
"Disruption is expected until 15:00 17/01"

Its probably a cracked cast magnese crossing (again)......  They are OK to travel over at 20mph and a track watchman is usually put in place to keep an eye on it.  The delay is usually due to having to get the new crossing (they are no lightweight thing), staff and kit on site to do the change.

This could all be guessing though, it might just be that NR aren't organised enough to correct whatever defect it is, in 24 hours..... ::) :P

.....here we go again...

 
Cancellations to services between Southall and Slough

Due to a speed restriction over defective track between Southall and Slough fewer trains are able to run on some lines towards Slough.
Train services running through these stations may be cancelled or delayed by up to 20 minutes. Disruption is expected until 14:30 18/01.
Further Information
Trains from London Paddington/Southall towards Slough/Reading, are unable to call at Hayes, West Drayton, Iver and Langley.

Due to a fault with the signalling system between Didcot Parkway and Reading some Didcot Parkway lines are blocked.
Impact: Train services running to and from these stations may be delayed. Disruption is expected until 13:00 18/01.

Greetings from 1C12 at Goring and Streatley

Fast lines westbound closed ... everyone on the slow lines

Err - sorry - main lines closed ... everyone on the relief

Said to be a "broken rail" to us on the train.  Presumably the track is strong enough to take the new trains?

According to the Metro newspaper, today's disruption caused Prince Harry and Meghan to arrive nearly an hour late for their visit to Cardiff:

http://metro.co.uk/2018/01/18/meghan-markle-prince-harry-hit-train-delays-making-one-hour-late-cardiff-visit-7240147/ (http://metro.co.uk/2018/01/18/meghan-markle-prince-harry-hit-train-delays-making-one-hour-late-cardiff-visit-7240147/)

Going for the train before is a kind of insurance. If one could rely on one's intended train running and reasonably to time (< 5-10 mins late depending on connections) every time you wanted to catch it then going for the train before would become unnecessary.

 I must admit where possible I tend to go for the train before especially if I have an onward connection. It gives more drinking time at the junction station even at Mirfield!

Should this be a new thread?

According to the Metro newspaper, today's disruption caused Prince Harry and Meghan to arrive nearly an hour late for their visit to Cardiff:

http://metro.co.uk/2018/01/18/meghan-markle-prince-harry-hit-train-delays-making-one-hour-late-cardiff-visit-7240147/ (http://metro.co.uk/2018/01/18/meghan-markle-prince-harry-hit-train-delays-making-one-hour-late-cardiff-visit-7240147/)

The railways falling apart. I would go by car but the potholes are getting too deep.

Have the wires at Hayes been upgraded or are they still headspan system from HEx electrification?

turbotuted  :D.

Alterations to services between Hayes & Harlington and London Paddington
Due to damage to the overhead electric wires at Hayes & Harlington some lines are blocked. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Train services between Hayes & Harlington and London Paddington have been revised.
Customer Advice
Due to overhead line damage at Hayes & Harlington, Platform 5 is closed to electric trains. This means the Hayes Shuttle electric services are running with diesel trains today, formed of 3 coaches.
Last Updated:23/01/2018 13:56

Delays to services between Hayes & Harlington and London Paddington
Due to a fault with the signalling system between Hayes & Harlington and London Paddington trains have to run at reduced speed on some lines towards London Paddington.
Train services running to and from these stations may be delayed by up to 15 minutes. Disruption is expected until 08:45 26/01.
Last Updated:26/01/2018 08:03

I'm crawling along on 1A70. It's been a lousy morning commute this week.

Cancellations to services between London Paddington and Ealing Broadway
Due to urgent repairs to the track between London Paddington and Ealing Broadway trains have to run at reduced speed on some lines.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice
Passengers from Acton Main Line wishing to travel towards Ealing, Slough and Reading are advised to catch a service to Paddington and circulate.

Passengers from Paddington wishing to travel to Acton Main Line should catch a service to Ealing Broadway and circulate.
Last Updated:02/02/2018 06:33

... advised to catch a service to Paddington and circulate.

Railways are terrible for using weird language. Took me years to even work out what the hell "alighting" was!

Took me years to even work out what the hell "alighting" was!

What you do to alamp isn't it?

Or vestibule!  ::)

1. If you have an important engagement, it usually makes sense to take one train earlier than then you really need (discuss)

2. I was also nearly an hour late home.   Why didn't that make The Metro's web site?  ;D

Cancellations to services between Ealing Broadway and London Paddington
Due to a safety inspection on a train between Ealing Broadway and London Paddington trains have to run at reduced speed on some lines towards London Paddington.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled, delayed by up to 40 minutes or revised. Disruption is expected until 20:00 05/02.
Customer Advice
Great Western Railway Local inner London services being most severley affected with delays of up to 40 minutes together with result alterations and cancellation of services. As a result of congestion in the Paddington station area Main Line services are also subject to delay.

Great Western Railway tickets being accepted on London Underground from Ealing Broadway, Acton stations and Greenford.

London Buses are passing Great Western Railway ticket holders via any reasonable route along the Paddington / Ealing Broadway / Southall / Hayes corridor.
Last Updated:05/02/2018 18:09

All four pantographs on the two units damaged and problems with the overhead in the vicinity too.

Same shit. Different year.
No trains to Maidenhead at peak tonight. The 18.19 was On Time until 18.18 at which point it had Maidenhead scrubbed from the list of calling points. Other services simply cancelled.
Any chance of help from the Helpdesk?  Nope. A grand total of zero concourse staff to assist this evening. Not one. I found 8 of them huddled halfway along platform 2 though.

Utter utter utter uselessness. As always.

Alterations to services between Hayes & Harlington and London Paddington
Due to damage to the overhead electric wires between Ealing Broadway and London Paddington fewer trains are able to run on some lines towards London Paddington. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Train services between Hayes & Harlington and London Paddington may be delayed by up to 10 minutes or revised.
Customer Advice
The Hayes Shuttle electric trains will run as 5-coach and 6-coach diesel trains.
Additional Information
Due to damage to the overhead wires on Monday evening some services may be subject to alteration.
One of the six tracks in to London Paddington is closed to electric trains. Electric trains have to use other tracks, and this may cause congestion in the area.
Last Updated:06/02/2018 09:47

Monday was a 4.5hr return commute from Maidenhead to Canary Wharf. I can’t wait to see what today offers me. Whatever it is GWR has exceeded themselves in the ‘delivering disappointment daily’ awards.

We've now reached page 166...

...maybe the whole thread should be cascaded to Bristol?

(Dons tin hat and makes for the exit...)

We'd probably only have to bring it back the following week when our new thread goes in for unexpected maintenance....

You have to feel sorry for passengers on the 03:59 from Swansea this morning.  It broke down at Royal Oak within sight of Paddington and has now been there 90 minutes.    One of the Class 57s off the sleeper is now on its way to push it the last few yards into Paddington.

You have to feel sorry for passengers on the 03:59 from Swansea this morning.  It broke down at Royal Oak within sight of Paddington and has now been there 90 minutes.    One of the Class 57s off the sleeper is now on its way to push it the last few yards into Paddington.

Arrived 140 minutes late.  One of the old trains which suffered a complete loss of air.

Meanwhile, after providing the rescue loco, the sleeper stock reached Reading depot 138 minutes late...

Arrived 140 minutes late.  One of the old trains which suffered a complete loss of air.

Nobody seems to have noted that the Acton diveunder has been out of use for nearly two weeks now.  Apparently there is a problem with the integrity of the retaining walls.

The blockwork covering up the piled foundations looks a bit thin to me: https://www.ianvisits.co.uk/blog/2015/12/06/a-look-at-crossrails-critical-acton-dive-under/

Due to urgent repairs to the railway at Oxford trains have to run at reduced speed on all lines.
Impact:
Train services running through this station will be cancelled or terminated at Didcot Parkway. Disruption is expected until 08:00 21/02.
Customer Advice:
A track defect at Oxford has meant all trains towards Didcot are running at 5mph over the defective track. Network Rail are currently repairing the railway and was expected to be completed at 05.30 however is now expected to not be completed until around 06.30.
Replacement coaches have been requested but the work has now been completed and the line is open again but there is still a speed restriction in place. Services starting at Oxford have been delayed this morning and trains will continue to be delayed in the area due to the speed restriction. Short notice alterations are likely to occur to the service.

Latest update

Train services running through this station will be cancelled or terminated at Didcot Parkway. Disruption is expected until 10:30 21/02.

Delays to services between Reading and Didcot Parkway

Due to a fault with the signalling system between Reading and Didcot Parkway trains have to run at reduced speed on some lines.

Train services running to and from these stations may be delayed by up to 45 minutes. Disruption is expected until 15:15 22/02.

Last Updated:22/02/2018 13:59

Wot no exploding rat?

The service rather had a meltdown this morning

Meltdown? the 2 inches of snow hasn't even arrived yet? (................I'll get my coat)

Ha ha and exactly... It can only get worse as the week goes on...

I think the person in charge of the trains this morning was probably having a quiet cry in the corner rather than actually trying to get the passengers for the local trains anywhere..

The local train passengers were definitely forgotten this morning in their quest to get the long distance trains through

A few platforms now open at Paddington.

This was purely a safety issue with their shiny floor becoming a hazard as they haven't enough staff/suitable machines/mats to put down to absorb the wet.....NR must get and sort this....they chose to put down that type of flooring. They need to sort it out.

GWR need to upgrade their website which couldn't cope with the number of enquiries it was getting though

It can be slippery at the best of times. I remember the old surface at Paddington, black tarmac surface with round indents.

[/pedant mode on] black tarmac mastic asphalt surface [/pedant mode off]

A few platforms now open at Paddington.

This was purely a safety issue with their shiny floor becoming a hazard as they haven't enough staff/suitable machines/mats to put down to absorb the wet.....Network Rail (NR) must get and sort this....they chose to put down that type of flooring. They need to sort it out.

Huge numbers of cancellations on routes tonight with no alternative road transport methods being arranged as they're apparently not safe.......what will GWR be doing to assist those who are stranded as a result?

... what will GWR be doing to assist those who are stranded as a result?

Is the website infrastructure? Certainly where I work we treat it as such.
Anyway second (or possibly 3rd) day in a row I can't connect to it reliably enough to see what's happening. I'm guessing not a lot!

Not certain that there is much that GWR CAN do.
You wont often hear me stand up for GWR, but in this case the conditions are too bad for trains or replacement road transport.
If people are stranded and merely uncomfortable, then that is one of the perils of travelling in severe weather.
If people are in actual danger from cold or exposure, then reliance may have to be placed on the emergency services, the voluntary groups such as the Red Cross, or even the Armed forces.

There is of course SOME help that GWR can offer, but it is very limited.
Keep station waiting rooms or others areas open, lit and heated all night.
Provide refreshments, when available.
Allow reasonable use of railway telephones to the public to contact friends and family.
Let people shelter on trains with the heating on, in the absence of other facilities.
Arrange taxis WHEN SAFE for very local journeys such as to a nearby hotel.
Offer to store luggage for those who decide to proceed on foot.

I have little sympathy with "the railway" when they fail to respond effectively to a railway problem such as signalling failures and train breakdowns, and under such conditions they have often IMO failed to promptly secure buses and taxis.
This weather though is affecting everything, buses and taxis included.
Taxi from Taunton to Penzance ? no way under present conditions !
Taxi from Taunton station to an hotel a mile or two away along treated roads ? Should certainly be considered.

so *might* (be able to) take would be a better phrase?

Due to an object being caught on the overhead electric wires at Slough some lines are closed.
Impact: Train services running through this station may be cancelled, delayed by up to 20 minutes or revised. Disruption is expected until 17:30 06/03.

No reports of exploding pigeon, so probably just a plastic bag.

Back the day, I was on my first cab ride as part of my training to see what the railway was all about, in a class 86 from Carlisle to Preston. All going well and suddenly felt an unusual jolt and a lamp illuminated on the driver's console, no power being taken. So free wheeled for a good few miles and came to a halt. Driver got down. Looked up. A large black crow or remains of was wrapped around the pantograph. Raised and lowered the pantograph again a couple of times and it fell off and we were on our way again. I dare say that current monitoring/safety systems may not allow this perhaps but this was 1979.

That is indeed a big benefit of the IET’s.

........so to recap.....the Infrastructure upon which the railways have spent billions of £ of taxpayers money and is (apparently) the future, can be brought to a screeching halt by.......a carrier bag, a dead pigeon........and/or a "bit of rope"......thank God the IETs can run on diesel.....🙈

Delays to services between London Paddington and Slough

Due to a fault with the signalling system between London Paddington and Slough the line towards Slough is disrupted.

Train services running to and from these stations may be delayed by up to 30 minutes. Disruption is expected until 20:00 11/03.

Last Updated:11/03/2018 17:21

...
After all, European railways are largely electrified and don't seem to suffer from these incidents as often as we do.

A bit like the annual leaves on the line fiasco, Overseas railways suffer the odd delay caused by leaves, whilst ours degenerates into chaos.
...

Can somebody with the knowledge explain why the metalwork in GWR land could not be as simple as HS1?

Alterations to services between London Paddington and Hayes & Harlington

Due to a fault with the signalling system between London Paddington and Hayes & Harlington some lines are closed.

Train services running to and from these stations may be delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until 10:45 16/03.

Last Updated:16/03/2018 09:53

Cancellations to services between Didcot Parkway and Oxford

Due to a fault with the signalling system between Didcot Parkway and Oxford some lines are disrupted.

Train services running through these stations may be cancelled or delayed by up to 30 minutes. Disruption is expected until 11:00 16/03.

Last Updated:16/03/2018 09:59

Delays to services between Reading and Didcot Parkway

Due to a fault with the signalling system between Reading and Didcot Parkway trains have to run at reduced speed on some lines.

Train services running to and from these stations may be delayed. Disruption is expected until 16:15 21/03.

Last Updated:21/03/2018 15:26

Alterations to services between Southall and West Drayton

Due to a fault with the signalling system between Southall and West Drayton trains have to run at reduced speed on the line towards Slough.

Train services running through these stations may be delayed by up to 15 minutes or running non stop between Ealing Broadway and Slough. Disruption is expected until 16:00 22/03.

Last Updated:22/03/2018 14:49

Carrier bag(s) caught on the overhead at Taplow.

Not guilty, I recycle mine!

An earlier fault with the signalling system at Reading is causing delays of up to 25 minutes and cancellations to journeys at this station. We anticipate a good service will be operating by 18:15.

Cancellations to services between Hayes & Harlington and London Paddington
Due to a fault with the signalling system between Hayes & Harlington and London Paddington:
Train services running to and from these stations are returning to normal but some services may still be cancelled, delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until 21:00 06/04.
Last Updated:06/04/2018 20:10

Alterations to services at Ealing Broadway
Due to a fault with the signalling system at Ealing Broadway fewer trains are able to run on some lines towards London Paddington.
Train services running through this station may be delayed by up to 15 minutes or running non stop between Southall and London Paddington. Disruption is expected until 17:20 09/04.
Customer Advice
Customers travelling from the Hayes/Southall direction to Hanwell, West Ealing, Ealing Broadway and Acton Mainline should travel via London Paddington.
Customers travelling from Hanwell, West Ealing, Ealing Broadway and Acton Mainline to London Paddington should travel via Southall.
Additional Information
A track circuit failure in the Ealing Broadway area means one of the two lines into Paddington is closed. Trains have to use the one open line, and this limits the number of trains that can pass through.
To reduce congestion, GWR stopping trains will not call at stations between Southall and London Paddington.
The Heathrow Connect service is suspended.
Last Updated:09/04/2018 16:55

Alterations to services between Hayes & Harlington and London Paddington
Due to a fault with the signalling system between Hayes & Harlington and London Paddington some lines towards London Paddington are blocked.
Train services running to and from these stations may be revised. Disruption is expected until 16:30 10/04.
Customer Advice
GWR stopping trains will not call at stations between Southall and London Paddington.
The Heathrow Connect service is suspended.
Passengers travelling from the Hayes/Southall direction to Hanwell, West Ealing, Ealing Broadway and Acton Mainline should travel via London Paddington.
Passengers travelling from Hanwell, West Ealing, Ealing Broadway and Acton Mainline to London Paddington should travel via Southall.
London Buses route 140: Hayes & Harlington - Heathrow (Central Bus Station) are conveying passengers via any reasonable route until further notice. Arrangements have been made for Great Western Railway rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys.
London Buses are conveying passengers between Slough and London Paddington in that direction only until further notice. Arrangements have been made for Great Western Railway rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys.
Last Updated:10/04/2018 15:45

Cancellations to services between London Paddington and Ealing Broadway
Due to urgent repairs to the railway between London Paddington and Ealing Broadway some lines are closed.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed. Disruption is expected until 12:00 11/04.
Customer Advice
London Underground are accepting GWR tickets to Ealing Broadway and Acton stations via any reasonable routes.
Further Information
London Underground are accepting GWR tickets to Ealing Broadway and Acton stations via any reasonable routes.
SWR are accepting GWR tickets between Reading and London Waterloo.
Last Updated:11/04/2018 10:56

Cancellations to services between London Paddington and Hayes & Harlington
Due to urgent repairs to the track between London Paddington and Hayes & Harlington fewer trains are able to run on some lines.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed. Disruption is expected until 15:00 13/04.
Further Information
GWR tickets are being accepted on London Underground services between Ealing Broadway/ Acton stations to/ from London Paddington.
GWR tickets are also being accepted on London Bus routes between Hayes/ Ealing Broadway/ Acton to/ from Paddington.
Last Updated:13/04/2018 12:56

Cancellations to services between London Paddington and Reading
Due to damage to the overhead electric wires between London Paddington and Reading all lines are blocked.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed by up to 40 minutes. Disruption is expected until 18:00 15/04.
Last Updated:15/04/2018 13:30

Alterations to services between London Paddington and Ealing Broadway
Due to urgent repairs to the track between London Paddington and Ealing Broadway some lines towards Reading are blocked.
Train services running to and from these stations may be delayed by up to 15 minutes or revised. Disruption is expected until 13:30 16/04.
Last Updated:16/04/2018 10:59

Following an object being caught on the overhead electric wires between Reading and London Paddington some lines are now open.
Train services running to and from these stations will be delayed by up to 30 minutes or revised. Disruption is expected until 15:00 17/04.

Plastic sheeting has become caught in overhead cables in the Slough area. Technicians need to retrieve this, but until this can be take place (at approximately 13:00), stopping trains to/from Paddington will have to run at reduced speed.

Cancellations to services at Didcot Parkway

Due to a fault with the signalling system at Didcot Parkway fewer trains are able to run on all lines.

Train services running through this station may be cancelled, delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until 15:00 18/04.

Last Updated:18/04/2018 14:06

This has now been updated to read:

Due to a fault with the signalling system at Didcot Parkway fewer trains are able to run on all lines.
Impact:
Train services running through this station may be cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised. Disruption is expected until 17:00 18/04.
Customer Advice:
Road transport is being procured but due to school runs only a limited service is running.
Some trains running from Oxford to Reading will call at intermediate stations excluding Didcot Parkway. Customers travelling to Didcot from Oxford should circulate via Reading, or use what available Road Transport is in operation.
Additional Information:
GWR tickets are being accepted between London Marylebone and Banbury/Oxford with Chiltern Railways, London Underground between Paddington and Marylebone, and with CrossCountry between Reading and Banbury.

I was travelling from Oxford to Didcot and circulated via Reading; this wasn't a good idea as once I got to Reading there were no trains to Didcot and of course there is no other public transport from Reading to Didcot.
When I got to Reading the stopping services were cancelled and the first fast service diverted via Newbury, the 2nd they refused to stop at Didcot although it was stopping at Swindon. I caught the 3rd service which was a fast to Oxford which was changed to a slow to Oxford and was of course a crowded 166 with 'air conditioning' ie hot day so not working. It took me 2 hours to get from Oxford to Didcot in the end, they should have advised passengers to catch the bus to Didcot and I wish I had done that.

I caught the 3rd service which was a fast to Oxford which was changed to a slow to Oxford and was of course a crowded 166 with 'air conditioning' ie hot day so not working. It took me 2 hours to get from Oxford to Didcot in the end, they should have advised passengers to catch the bus to Didcot and I wish I had done that.

Due to a fault with the signalling system between Reading and Didcot Parkway fewer trains are able to run on the line towards Didcot Parkway.
Impact:
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until 11:00 19/04.

Cancellations to services between Didcot Parkway and Oxford

Due to a fault with the signalling system between Didcot Parkway and Oxford fewer trains are able to run on all lines.

Train services running through these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until 10:30 19/04.

Disruption now expected until 13:00

plus

Cancellations to services between Reading and Didcot Parkway

Due to a fault with the signalling system between Reading and Didcot Parkway:

Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until 15:00 19/04.

Delays to services between Slough and London Paddington

Due to a speed restriction because of high track temperatures between Slough and London Paddington trains have to run at reduced speed on some lines towards London Paddington.

Train services running to and from these stations may be delayed by up to 15 minutes. Disruption is expected until 18:30 19/04.

Delays to services between Slough and London Paddington
Due to a fault with the signalling system between Slough and London Paddington trains have to run at reduced speed on some lines towards London Paddington.
Train services running to and from these stations may be delayed by up to 15 minutes. Disruption is expected until 22:00 19/04.
Last Updated:19/04/2018 19:25

Delays to services between Dorking Deepdene and Redhill
Due to a fault with barriers at a level crossing between Dorking Deepdene and Redhill trains have to run at reduced speed on all lines.
Train services running through these stations may be delayed by up to 20 minutes. Disruption is expected until 21:30 19/04.
Last Updated:19/04/2018 19:25

Cancellations to services between Reading and Guildford
Due to a fault with the signalling system between Reading and Guildford all lines are blocked.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until 08:30 20/04.
Last Updated:20/04/2018 06:54

Due to a fault with barriers at a level crossing between Didcot Parkway and Swindon trains have to run at reduced speed on all lines.
Impact: Train services running through these stations may be delayed by up to 20 minutes. Disruption is expected until 13:30 20/04.

I find the speed restrictions due to high temperatures to be rather worrying. Whilst temperatures are exceptional for April, they are very normal for June and July.
So are speed restrictions going to become the norm during the summer ?

I can see the need for such restrictions in truly exceptional heatwaves, but surely infrastructure should work correctly during normal June and July weather ? even if such weather arrives in April.

I find the speed restrictions due to high temperatures to be rather worrying. Whilst temperatures are exceptional for April, they are very normal for June and July.
So are speed restrictions going to become the norm during the summer ?

I can see the need for such restrictions in truly exceptional heatwaves, but surely infrastructure should work correctly during normal June and July weather ? even if such weather arrives in April.

This is the process by which the rail is tensioned so that it has not stress in it at a certain temperature (I have forgotten what temperature) and is in tension when it is cold, so that the compressive stress when it gets really hot is not too much to buckle the track.

Has there been a lot of track work there?  If so have they not destressed* the rail yet thinking they were ok for a few more weeks?

*This is the process by which the rail is tensioned so that it has not stress in it at a certain temperature (I have forgotten what temperature) and is in tension when it is cold, so that the compressive stress when it gets really hot is not too much to buckle the track.

Cancellations to services between London Paddington and Hayes & Harlington
Due to a speed restriction over defective track between London Paddington and Hayes & Harlington trains have to run at reduced speed on some lines towards Slough.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until 11:00 26/04.
Customer Advice
London Underground are conveying passengers between London Paddington and Heathrow Terminal 5 in both directions until further notice. Arrangements have been made for Great Western Railway rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys.
London Buses route 140: Hayes & Harlington - Heathrow (Central Bus Station) are conveying passengers between Hayes & Harlington and Heathrow Terminal 5 in both directions until further notice. Arrangements have been made for Great Western Railway rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys.
London Buses are conveying passengers between London Paddington and Slough in both directions until further notice. Arrangements have been made for Great Western Railway rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys.
Last Updated:26/04/2018 10:16

Many twitter complaints that a Henley connection was missed off that train

Considering it arrived Twyford 28 late, with the next shuttle scheduled for just 8 minutes later*, I really don't see why the connection off the 16:49 would be held or the need to complain about it.

* Departed 6 minutes later than planned to maintain connection off the 17:18 off Pad

Delays to services at London Paddington


Due to a points failure at London Paddington:
Train services running to and from this station may be delayed by up to 15 minutes. Disruption is expected until 08:00 01/05.

Train services running to and from this station may be delayed by up to 20 minutes. Disruption is expected until 09:30 01/05.

Extensive delays and cancellations in the Thames Valley this morning due to trespassers at Didcot.  Ironically the 07.10 Maidenhead to Paddington (which was one of the few that ran) arrived with blood smeared all over the front of it.

...........on the Friday before a bank holiday weekend.........Lord Have Mercy!

Cancellations to services between London Paddington and Slough


Due to trespassers on the railway between London Paddington and Slough some lines are blocked.
Train services running to and from these stations are returning to normal but some services may still be cancelled or delayed by up to 20 minutes. Disruption is expected until 18:00 04/05. :(

Same again today........it's 9 degrees outside.

Alterations to services between Reading and London Paddington
Due to a speed restriction between Reading and London Paddington trains have to run at reduced speed on some lines towards London Paddington.
Train services running to and from these stations may be delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Further Information
A speed restriction has been imposed in the Slough area on the Main Line towards London Paddington following the high temperature recorded in the rails at that location on Monday.

How long would such a restriction be expected to last? Is it days or weeks?

Welcome to the new week!

Cancellations to services between Hayes & Harlington and London Paddington
Due to engineering works not being finished on time between Hayes & Harlington and London Paddington some lines are closed.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until 16:45 14/05.

Alterations to services between Bristol Parkway and Bristol Temple Meads
Due to engineering works not being finished on time between Bristol Parkway and Bristol Temple Meads some lines are closed.
Train services running through these stations may be delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until 09:00 14/05.

Alterations to services between Weymouth and Dorchester West
Due to engineering works not being finished on time between Weymouth and Dorchester West all lines are closed.
Train services running to and from these stations may be revised. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.

Welcome to the new week!

Cancellations to services between Hayes & Harlington and London Paddington
Due to engineering works not being finished on time between Hayes & Harlington and London Paddington some lines are closed.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until 16:45 14/05.

Looks like pretty much all the fast trains from Maidenhead to Paddington are cancelled.. This isn't going to be pretty

Wasn't nice was it? Apparently Reading was pretty horrific too  >:(

All lines expected to be reopened by 3pm though displaced trains and crew will probably result in another miserable commute home for some.

Hand back now delayed further with no ETA.  Magnificent work from the railway industry again.

"Disruption" now expected till 2000.....yep, a miserable evening rush hour too.

So far as I can tell every fast service to Maidenhead and Twyford was cancelled. Got a load of texts about 4.30 saying that various trains after 5.30 were cancelled so rushed out the office only get to Paddington to discover earlier services now cancelled. Still its all fine now according to the website although a very angry girlfriend at Paddington seems to diagree.

More wonderful incident management and comms from our favourite train company.

Now 05:00 tomorrow morning. What odds another disrupted morning rush hour?

Cancellations to services between Hayes & Harlington and London Paddington
Due to engineering works not being finished on time between Hayes & Harlington and London Paddington some lines are closed.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until 05:00 15/05.
Customer Advice
Owing to engineering work not being finished on time some of the lines between Hayes & Harlington and London Paddington station are not available for use which will require a significant number of train service alterations.
Underground services are conveying passengers via any reasonable route until further notice.
London Buses route 140: Hayes & Harlington - Heathrow (Central Bus Station) are conveying passengers via any reasonable route until further notice.
Last Updated:14/05/2018 21:43

The line block itself seems to be east of Ealing Broadway, so why are GWR stating Hayes & Harlington? Although that's nothing new as they've been doing it for the last year or so now. All day they didn't update the vague message, not even a hint of being open about what went wrong. And there was no apology from either them or Network Rail on their website or on Twitter. Just shows what a disgusting state of affairs we have on the GWML >:(

Cancellations to services between London Paddington and Ealing Broadway
Due to urgent repairs to the track between London Paddington and Ealing Broadway trains have to run at reduced speed on some lines towards Reading.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed by up to 30 minutes. Disruption is expected until 12:00 15/05.
Last Updated:15/05/2018 10:12

Even later than that now

Disruption is expected until 13:00 15/05

Disruption is expected until 15:00 15/05

Tinpot railway.

And later still now:


And guess what:

Just to add to the joy, according to the GWR twitter feed there is no ticket acceptance in place with Chiltern or South West, so the Waterloo Reading/Windsor fallback isn't an option, or Chiltern to Oxford?

It wont be that bad, because according to the GWR website there are only "minor disruptions".

I got a whole load of notifications about cancellations just before 16.30 again. All the Twyford and Maidenhead fast services gone. Was there a go/no go meeting just after 16.00 or did GWR just not bother telling anyone until just before the rush hour? Even if they're getting late notification from Network Rail I think most companies would have a plan or maybe managed passenger expectations throughout the day?

Those fast services were cancelled long before 1630, certainly the 1749 & 1819 were gone before 1530.

One could see the temptation to go via Chiltern or South West, and claim that one had been told this was OK.
In your particular case though I would not try this after posting on a public forum.

The 18.59 driver this evening was particularly witty in his announcement outside Acton, inviting any passengers with an engineering or operations background to submit a CV to ‘runtherailwayproperly.com’! When staff morale is that low it says a lot! On the other hand, the humour makes the inevitable delay a smidge better...

Quote from GWR is that there is no acceptance via Waterloo/Marylebone  because "although there are cancellations there are still services running" (out of Paddington) - seems to suggest a change in policy during times of mass disruption?

The track fault in the Acton area was a buckled rail presumably as a result of high track temperatures should all be rectified by the start of service tomorrow..... should.

The track fault in the Acton area was a buckled rail presumably as a result of high track temperatures should all be rectified by the start of service tomorrow..... should.

Really? What is classified as "high temperatures?" It's been pleasantly warm over the last few days but barely into the 20s. Is this just the usual lack of resilience? God knows what it'll be like in "flaming" June/July if it really gets hot.....presumably the whole system will just liquify?

The track fault in the Acton area was a buckled rail presumably as a result of high track temperatures should all be rectified by the start of service tomorrow..... should.

Everything out of Didcot cancelled or delayed since I got here at 0620. What's the betting the first one not cancelled is the 2-car Banbury to Reading.....

Broken down train. Now Reading is congested due to poor service regulation as a result of that.

Up and Down main now open again at Acton

This from my Twitter feed just a moment ago.
https://mobile.twitter.com/GWRHelp/status/996685264398487553/photo/1

Lot of angry season ticket holders in that Tweet. My partner is in the process of being made redundant so won't be renewing but can't claim anything. Its not a great system really.

Interesting that the stations with the poorest service are all now run by TFL!

Hey, we've now even got TWO temporary footbridges to choose from!

I have to say, (and I know it's a tiddler!) but I think Taplow station has improved since TfL have taken over - the ticket machine works, the ticket office is invariably open during its advertised hours, and generally it seems to be tidier and better organised (and that is not a reflection on Ted, the previous incumbent who always did his best!)

Hey, we've now even got TWO temporary footbridges to choose from!  ;D

Quite a contrast to CJB666’s opinions of TfL.

Due to damage to the overhead electric wires between Slough and Maidenhead some lines towards Reading are blocked.
Impact:
 Customers at Taplow and Burnham travelling to stations to Reading are advised to travel to Slough and travel back.

Due to damage to the overhead electric wires between Slough and Maidenhead some lines towards Reading are blocked.
Impact:
Train services running through these stations may be cancelled, delayed by up to 15 minutes or revised. Disruption is expected until 09:00 22/05.
Customer Advice:
Due to overhead line damage between Slough and Maidenhead, trains are unable call at Taplow and Burnham on the line towards Reading. Customers travelling to Taplow and Burnham are advised to alight at Maidenhead and travel back. Customers at Taplow and Burnham travelling to stations to Reading are advised to travel to Slough and travel back.

Overhead line section has tripped and will not reset. Cause unknown.  An inspection team commenced walking the 4 mile section to try and locate the issue at 0700. Will take about 2 hours to walk it.

Now 3pm. Not good.

Issue with an insulator.

Now 3pm. Not good.

Now 3pm. Not good.

End of the day now!

From Journeycheck:

Due to damage to the overhead electric wires between Slough and Maidenhead some lines will be blocked.
Train services running through these stations may be cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised. All stations between Slough and Maidenhead will not be served. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.

Due to damage to the overhead electric wires between Slough and Maidenhead some lines are closed.

Train services running through these stations may be cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised. All stations between Slough and Maidenhead will not be served. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.

Customer Advice
Network Rail, who own the railway infrastructure, and are responsible for its upkeep, are currently fixing the damaged overhead cables in the Maidenhead area. As a consequence, the train service between Reading and Paddington is severely depleted, and has been reduced to a shuttle service between Reading and Maidenhead, and also between Slough and London Paddington. The stations between Slough and Maidenhead can only be served by local buses.
First Bus route 13: Slough (Bus Station Bay 12) Burnham (Station), First Bus route 4: Maidenhead (Town Centre Stop S2) - Taplow (Bath Rd) - Burnham (Everitts Corner) - Slough (Bus Station Bay 4) and London Buses are conveying passengers via any reasonable route until further notice. Arrangements have been made for Great Western Railway rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys. TfL London Buses: are accepting tickets on any reasonable route between Slough and Central London.

Whilst any reasonable passenger would understand that things break, and that disruption will occur in such circumstances, OHLE failures do seem to be unduly frequent and not resulting in the more reliable railway that is still being advertised.

As in other cases, I would ask "what happens overseas ?" I have no doubt that German and French railways have OHLE failures, but I rather doubt that they are as frequent as in the UK.

Network Rail confident of a 1500 hand back. There’s currently a scaffolding tower erected to enable repairs to the damaged insulator.

I would say this is the first ‘major’ incident of the newly electrified sections, so overall reliability has been good.  Had this sort of thing happened once a week since last summer I could sympathise with your views.

I doubt many folk in Germany and France will get to hear about this particular incident, so, as Stuving suggested a few months ago, just because you don’t hear about it doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen.

That must be a pretty dangerous coach, to be fenced off like that  ;D

I would say this is the first ‘major’ incident of the newly electrified sections, so overall reliability has been good.  Had this sort of thing happened once a week since last summer I could sympathise with your views.

I doubt many folk in Germany and France will get to hear about this particular incident, so, as Stuving suggested a few months ago, just because you don’t hear about it doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen.

This particular failure, of a defective insulator may indeed be as rare you suggest. However OverHead-Line Equipment (OHLE) issues causing significant delays seem to occur most weeks.

Freddie Starr ate my track...

Due to urgent repairs to the track between Ealing Broadway and Hayes & Harlington trains have to run at reduced speed on some lines towards Slough.
Impact: Train services running through these stations may be delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until 14:00 25/05.
Customer Advice:
London Underground are conveying passengers between London Paddington and Ealing Broadway in both directions until further notice. Arrangements have been made for Great Western Railway rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys.

Now 1600, fantastic for the Bank holiday getaway, luckily I'm not relying on GWR today but went past Taplow earlier and every service in both directions was showing "cancelled". I'm told it's not much better now.

A fault with the signalling system between Reading and Newbury is causing disruption to trains travelling between these stations. Trains may be cancelled, delayed by up to 50 minutes or diverted.

Disruption is expected to continue until at least 10:00

What a relief that West Country trains can be (and are being) diverted between Reading and Westbury via Swindon.  Pity there's a long stretch of single track on that diversionary route ...

09:46 Westbury to Swindon due 10:32
09:46 Westbury to Swindon due 10:32 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.

10:47 Swindon to Westbury due 11:28
10:47 Swindon to Westbury due 11:28 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.

I would expect the 08:53 service from Swindon to be diverted via Bathampton to avoid the single line.  :(

08:53 Swindon to Westbury due 09:41
08:53 Swindon to Westbury due 09:41 will be diverted between Chippenham and Trowbridge.
It will no longer call at Melksham.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
Last Updated:31/05/2018 07:58

Trivial compared to the bad weather disruption on Swindon routes currently showing.

I note from at least one of the updates that no alternative road transport will be provided - what are people to do?

I must admit to being surprised by the extent of the amber warning, especially the wording - I thought SW England was Devon and Cornwall, with most of the amber warning map showing up the West Country. I believe the main point of severe weather warnings though is to alert people to the risk, hence 'be prepared', rather than carry on with your day with no idea of the potential for bad weather.  Who does National Rail take their day to day forecast from anyway, public warnings come from the Met Office, but there are many firms out there selling forecasts to companies?

Cancellations to services between Slough and Reading

Due to a fault with the signalling system between Slough and Reading fewer trains are able to run on all lines.

Impact:
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed by up to 20 minutes. Disruption is expected until 21:00 20/06.

Axle counter failure between Maidenhead and Twyford affecting trains on the down relief

Due to an issue with the signalling system between Bristol Temple Meads and Parson Street drivers must speak to the signaller at three signals before passing them. This will cause trains through the affected area to run slower than normal.

....to add to the general joy today.....

Delays to services between London Paddington and Hayes & Harlington
Due to a safety inspection of the track between London Paddington and Hayes & Harlington:
Train services running to and from these stations may be delayed. Disruption is expected until 16:45 01/07.

Disruption is expected until 10:45 03/07.

Disruption is expected until 12:45 03/07.

Owing to a fault with the signalling system on the approach to London Paddington station some lines have had to be closed which limits the number of train movements that can be accommodated. As a result a number of routes will see a reduction in the frequency of services until such time as the fault has been rectified.

Due to a fault with the signalling system between London Paddington and Ealing Broadway some lines are closed.
Impact: Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed by up to 10 minutes. Disruption is expected until 10:00 04/07.

Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed by up to 15 minutes. Disruption is expected until 11:00 04/07.
Last Updated:04/07/2018 09:35

Cancellations to services between Didcot Parkway and Oxford
Due to a points failure between Didcot Parkway and Oxford some lines towards Oxford are blocked.
Train services running through these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until 15:30 04/07.
Last Updated:04/07/2018 14:29

Just breaking:


[edit] - so far nothing seems to have moved for about 40 minutes

Delays to services between London Paddington and Ealing Broadway
Following a points failure between London Paddington and Ealing Broadway all lines towards Reading are now open.
Train services running to and from these stations are returning to normal. Disruption is expected until 19:15 06/07.
Customer Advice
London Underground are conveying passengers between London Paddington and Ealing Broadway in both directions until further notice. Arrangements have been made for Great Western Railway rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys.
Last Updated:06/07/2018 18:57

Due to failure of the electricity supply between Reading and London Paddington some lines towards London Paddington are closed.
Impact:
Train services running to and from these stations may be delayed. Disruption is expected until 19:00 06/07.

Due to a safety inspection on a train between Didcot Parkway and Swindon some lines are blocked.

Train services running through these stations may be cancelled or delayed by up to 45 minutes. Disruption is expected until 13:00 09/07.

Customer Advice
Our Control Room have received reports of a fire alarm sounding on a train between Didcot and Swindon. Response teams are on site investigating. Only one of the two lines normally available can be used between Didcot and Swindon, so congestion will occur

Normal working resumed between Didcot and Swindon after the issue with the fire bells sounding on a HST (again!).  Original train delayed by over an hour but at least the reversible signalling came in handy as trains were able to be routed round it, albeit with delays.

A timely example of how having such signalling, currently being commissioned between Didcot and Oxford of course, can be a real help in such situations - even if not used very often.

Due to a points failure between Ealing Broadway and London Paddington some lines towards London Paddington are blocked. Disruption is expected until 19:30 18/07.
Impact:
Train services between Reading and London Paddington may be delayed by up to 15 minutes or diverted.
Customer Advice:
London-bound fast line is blocked between Ealing Broadway and London Paddington. Long Distance / High Speed services will be diverted via the Slow line between Ealing Broadway and London Paddington.

... Slow line ...

??  ;D

Is there a fast one?

No

Obviously someone not versed in GWR (1923) terminology.

Main and Reliefs.

Looking at the weather forecast this week the temperature looks to be edging into the 90s for the LTV area virtually every day...…...what price loads of delays/cancellations for melting rails?

We've been largely surprisingly free of this so far during this warm period, but I have an inkling that luck may be coming to an end...……... :(

14:14 Weymouth to Bristol Temple Meads due 16:35
14:14 Weymouth to Bristol Temple Meads due 16:35 has been previously delayed and is now 17 minutes late from Frome.
This is due to a speed restriction because of high track temperatures.

Indeed:

Due to a speed restriction because of high track temperatures at Oxford trains have to run at reduced speed on all lines.
Impact: Train services running through this station may be delayed by up to 15 minutes. Disruption is expected until 18:00 23/07.

Isn’t this the age old problem of it being fresh track layed over the last couple of weeks? Always a pain regardless.

Due to a fault with the signalling system at Oxford trains have to run at reduced speed on all lines. Disruption is expected until 17:30 02/08.

Train services between Didcot Parkway and Oxford may be cancelled or delayed by up to 30 minutes.

Train services between Worcester Shrub Hill and Oxford may be cancelled or delayed by up to 30 minutes.

Train services between Banbury and Oxford have been suspended. Banbury, Kings Sutton, Heyford and Tackley will not be served.

Due to a fault with barriers at a level crossing at Oxford trains have to run at reduced speed on all lines.

Cancellations to services between Didcot Parkway and Reading

Following a fire on a train between Didcot Parkway and Reading some lines have now reopened.

Train services running through these stations may be cancelled or delayed by up to 60 minutes. Disruption is expected until 18:30 02/08.

Customer Advice
London-bound fast line remains blocked, but Didcot-bound lines have reopened.
Last Updated:02/08/2018 17:35

Delays to services between London Paddington and Reading

Due to a fault with the signalling system at Slough trains have to run at reduced speed on some lines towards Reading. Disruption is expected until 19:30 02/08.

Train services between London Paddington and Reading may be delayed by up to 15 minutes.

Additional Information
Customers travelling to Burnham or Taplow are advised to travel through to Maidenhead and change at Maidenhead for services back to Taplow and Burnham.

Customers travelling from Taplow or Burnham should take the first available service to Slough and change at Slough to travel West.
Last Updated:02/08/2018 17:40

Not sure about the impact though there seems to be a lot running late through Reading at present, but, for the record:

I've just been keeping an eye on the OTT maps in the Twyford area and I noticed something a little strange just now as the attached screenshot shows. 1C25 (18.00 PAD-BRI) and 1R06 (17.57 PAD-RDG) were held on the DR while 1K93 (18.03 PAD-THE) was routed via the UR to call at P4. While all this was happening, 1A27 (17.10 WSM-PAD) was later held for a few minutes on the UM at Twyford West. This all seems to be something of a kerfuffle which caused further delay to already late trains (1C25 went from being 27L to 41L according to RTT). Presumably this was done to benefit connecting Henley Branch passengers but why hold so many other trains while the route was set all the way from Twyford East to West?

Fire was on a London-bound train - 1A24 the 16:00 ex-Bristol Temple Meads.

Looking at the weather forecast this week the temperature looks to be edging into the 90s for the LTV area virtually every day...…...what price loads of delays/cancellations for melting rails?

We've been largely surprisingly free of this so far during this warm period, but I have an inkling that luck may be coming to an end...……... :(

Cancellations to services at London Paddington
Due to urgent repairs to the track at London Paddington fewer trains are able to run.
Train services running to and from this station may be cancelled or terminated at and started back from Reading. Disruption is expected until 10:00 08/08.

Platform 9 is closed due to defective longitudinal timbers.

Yea, got my C and A mixed, correcting post.

What happens to pedestrians who want to cross when they are locked out of use?

They climb over the gate, listen, look both ways and if the lines clear cross, climb over the other gate, no problem.

Public Highways : The Railway obtained priority of way over the public highway and was required to provide gates to fence off the Railway line. The gates were required to close off the roadway and were to be opened to allow road users to pass over the Railway. Subsequently the Railway reversed the arrangement so that the gates were normally across the Railway for obvious reasons. The Railway does maintain the right however to close the road off as it sees fit - i.e. in the event of a failure, however these days this is done co-operatively with the local Highways Authority. In a short notice case such as a failure the Police will be called to close off the road.

Private Roads : These are roads which do not form part of the public highway and are maintained at the owners expense. Typically these give access to a landowner's house. The Railway retains priority of way and the crossing must be adequately fenced and gated.

If they are locked out of use, blocking the legal use of a public footpath, I presume Network Rail have applied for the necessary 'Traffic Regulation Orders'. These are required even if closures are temporary.

Network Rail can't arbitrarily block a public right of way without due process. In an emergency maybe, but not when a phone system (which at many foot crossings it is not mandatory for pedestrians to use) is faulty.

Despite this, Network Rail do act arbitrarily. And on more than one occasion have had to be told by the relevant highway authority to reopen arbitrarily closed crossings.

Situation deteriorating;

Alterations to services between Reading and London Paddington


Due to a speed restriction over defective track at Langley trains have to run at reduced speed on the line towards London Paddington. Disruption is expected until 14:30 26/08.
Train services between Reading and London Paddington may be delayed by up to 15 minutes or running non stop between Slough and Hayes & Harlington. Langley and West Drayton will not be served.
Customer Advice
London-bound trains are currently not serving Langley or West Drayton.

Customers travelling to Langley or West Drayton are advised to change at Hayes and Harlington and double back.

Customers wishing to travel from Langley or West Drayton should travel via Slough.

The 07:57 Paddington - Penzance via Bristol has just left Reading 66 late.

A delay that's not mentioned on JourneyCheck.

07:57 London Paddington to Penzance due 14:16 has been delayed at Reading and is now 66 minutes late.
This is due to engineering works not being finished on time.
First class located at front. Catering is not available from Exeter St Davids.
Last Updated:02/09/2018 09:40

Maybe part of the remit of doing the social media role for GWR is to keep on the Coffee Shop! They might learn a few things. :D

This train has been cancelled because of a safety inspection of the track

1407, 1415 and 1421 from Southall towards Paddington all cancelled, reason given as All these are running non-stop from Hayes & Harlington to Paddington >:( ::)

Screenshot from GWR Journeycheck page showing live information for trains from Southall to Paddington. Nothing in the "Line Updates" list.

While awaiting my severely delayed service at Didcot I heard that Pilotman Working had been introduced so the failure must have been pretty bad over a large area. On OTT delays appeared to be between Uffington and Challow Loops inclusive.

Due to a fault with the signalling system at London Paddington fewer trains are able to run on some lines.
Impact: Train services running to and from this station may be delayed by up to 10 minutes. Disruption is expected until 17:30 28/09.

Due to a fault with the signalling system between Ealing Broadway and Slough trains have to run at reduced speed on some lines towards Reading.
Impact: Train services running through these stations may be delayed by up to 15 minutes or revised. Disruption is expected until 16:45 28/09.

17:18 London Paddington to Oxford due 18:44 will be started from Reading.
It will no longer call at London Paddington, Maidenhead and Twyford.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.


Last Updated:28/09/2018 15:33

Obstruction on line at Acton according to our train manager. 16 minutes late on 0800 from Swindon

Approaching Newark 10 mins late. LNER breakfast consumed

Delays to services between London Paddington and Slough

Due to damage to the overhead electric wires between London Paddington and Slough some lines are blocked.

Train services running to and from these stations may be delayed. Disruption is expected until 22:00 16/10.

Due to damage to the overhead electric wires between London Paddington and Slough all lines are blocked.

Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed by up to 120 minutes. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.

Last Updated:16/10/2018 20:13

And opentraintimes maps appear frozen nationwide, so ...
1) us laypeople can't see what's happening
and
b) conspiracy theory - have NR cut the real-time information feed because of the disruptions (this one and the power outage at Victoria) tonight?

Still appears to be frozen as of 01:15 Wednesday.

Electric units blocking all lines between Slough & Paddington. Nothing moving east of Slough/Reading until at least lunchtime.

Have pax been evacuated or are train managers taking orders for breakfast now ?

Sorry, don't want to offend RMT so I'll add drivers to that quote where DOO applies.

.... and ASLEF.

I had (clearly foolishly) decided to take a chance on GWR getting me to Plymouth this morning as I'm recovering from a broken ankle & am not able to drive for a couple more weeks. I should have known better. Now trying to find out if my 1st class Advance ticket will be valid tomorrow instead.

Feeling “sick” today as I cannot be arsed to travel with this disruption.

144 Train Cancellations this morning.
108 Amendments

Cheltenham’s terminating at Swindon
All others terminating at Reading.

Cancellations to services between London Paddington and Reading
Due to damage to the overhead electric wires between London Paddington and Reading some lines are closed.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice
Since around 19:30 Tuesday evening virtually no train service has been able to operate between London Paddington and Reading in either direction owing to the damage to the overhead wires. This has led to widespread disruption with trains initially stranded in various locations owing to loss of overhead power and diesel powered services unable to bypass the disabled electric trains.

The position this morning is that all lines remain closed between London Paddington and Slough with the possibility that two of these four lines will be available during the afternoon.

#######################################################################
Customers intending to travel to or from intermediate stations between London Paddington and Slough are advised NOT ATTEMPT TO TRAVEL BY TRAIN until such time that confirmation has been published that the route has been reopened.

There will be a very significant reduction in train service frequency on most routes as a result of this incident and those services which do operate will be extremely busy.

Note that between Slough and London Paddington no alternative road transport other than scheduled bus / Underground / train operators services on parallel routes will operate. In other areas neighbouring train operators covering parallel routes and certain local bus routes are conveying holders of GWR tickets by any reasonable route.
#######################################################################

A limited train shuttle service will operate Slough - Reading - Didcot Parkway.

Those customers from London seeking to travel to Reading or west thereof are advised to travel to London Waterloo and travel on South Western Railway services to Reading (either direct or via Guildford or Basingstoke) from where main line services will restart.

Customers travelling to / from the Oxford area are advised to use Chiltern Railways services to / from London Marylebone.

Customers travelling to destinations in Devon and Cornwall are advised to travel via London Waterloo either to Reading or via Salisbury to interchange with West Country services at Exeter St Davids.

Customers travelling to destinations in the Worcester area may travel from London Euston to Birmingham New Street on Virgin West Coast services and then from Birmingham New Street to Worcester on West Midlands Railway services.

Note that with the reduced frequency of services many trains are expected to be very busy.
Further Information
An update will follow within the next 2 hours.
Last Updated:17/10/2018 06:23

Damage to overhead lines apparently.  Just what is the point of switching to overhead electricity?  It just adds another thing to go wrong .

Sigh...the one day I really needed to be in. Almost joined some colleagues in getting a taxi from Twyford to Reading to pick up SWR but my heart wasn't in it. I;m not sure if they went in the end as there was concern about getting home and just the length of time it would all take.

Thanks to Grahame for the information below as there didn't seem to be much on the GWR website other than don't travel.

Thanks to Grahame for the information below as there didn't seem to be much on the GWR website other than don't travel.

Overhead wires damaged Wednesday 17 October
On Tuesday 16 October overhead wires were damaged in the London area. This severely disrupted train services between London Paddington and Reading as many trains became stranded owing to the resultant loss of a power supply. Owing to the extent of the damage no trains are expected to be able to operate between London Paddington and Hayes & Harlington in either direction for much of Wednesday 17th October. As a result, GWR, TfL Rail and Heathrow Express will not be operating a train service between London Paddington, Hayes & Harlington or Slough until such time as repairs have been completed.

Advice

Due to the disruption to Great Western, MTR and Heathrow Express services, we are advising customers not to seek to travel by train between London Paddington and Slough until at least mid-day today, Wednesday 17th October. From mid-day, two of the four lines are expected to reopen; this to be confirmed in due course.

We strongly advise not to travel on long distance routes or towards London due to a reduced train service on all routes and no train services operating to or from London Paddington. Train services will instead terminate and start at Reading.

If you are travelling from London beyond Reading please do not go to London Paddington but instead travel straight to either London Waterloo, London Marylebone or London Euston depending upon your ultimate destination.


A reduced timetable will be in place on Wednesday 17 October that will impact most mainline routes to and from London Paddington all day.

Between London Paddington and Didcot Parkway
Starting and terminating at Slough, a local stopping train service will operate between Slough, Reading and Didcot Parkway only in each direction.
South Western Railway is accepting GWR tickets between London Waterloo and Windsor/ Reading. Chiltern Railways is accepting GWR tickets between London Marylebone, Oxford and Banbury.
Between West Ealing and Greenford
The train service is suspended between West Ealing and Greenford, please travel on London Underground services and London Buses.
Between London Paddington and Bedwyn
Starting and terminating at Reading, the train service will operate between Reading and Bedwyn only.
South Western Railway is accepting GWR tickets between London Waterloo and Windsor/ Reading.
Between London Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads
Starting and terminating at Reading, an hourly train service will operate between Reading and Bristol Temple Meads in each direction.
Between London Paddington and Swansea
Starting and terminating at Reading, an hourly train service will operate between Reading and Swansea in each direction. Transport for Wales is accepting GWR tickets between Cheltenham Spa and Cardiff Central and between Newport (South Wales) and Swansea.
Between London Paddington, Exeter, Plymouth and Penzance (West of England)
Starting and terminating at Reading, an hourly train service will operate between Reading and the West of England in each direction. CrossCountry is accepting GWR tickets between Cheltenham Spa, Bristol Temple Meads, Exeter, Plymouth and Penzance.
South Western Railway is accepting GWR tickets between Exeter St David’s, Basingstoke and London Waterloo.
Between London Paddington and Cheltenham Spa
The through train service is suspended between London Paddington and Cheltenham Spa, please travel on alternative services to Swindon and change there for connections. A local stopping train service is operating between Swindon and Cheltenham Spa, but this will be busier than normal. CrossCountry is accepting GWR tickets between Bristol Temple Meads and Cheltenham Spa, if you are travelling to or from Cheltenham Spa you can change at Bristol Parkway for connecting train services.
Between London Paddington, Worcester, Great Malvern and Hereford
Starting and terminating at Reading or Oxford, a reduced train service will operate from Hereford, Great Malvern and Worcester to Oxford and Reading in the morning. A limited train service will operate from Oxford to Worcester in the afternoon.
Virgin Trains West Coast is accepting GWR tickets between London Euston and Birmingham New Street.
West Midlands Railway is accepting GWR tickets between Birmingham New Street, Worcester, Great Malvern and Hereford.
CrossCountry is accepting GWR tickets between Basingstoke and Birmingham New Street.
Night Riviera Sleeper Services Tuesday 16 October:

23:45 London Paddington to Penzance, will start at Reading. If you are booked to travel on this service from London Paddington, please travel to London Waterloo and use South Western Railway services to Reading.
21:45 Penzance to London Paddington, this service will terminate at Reading.
Ticket acceptance:
Your ticket(s) with GWR is valid on the following routes:

London Underground between London Paddington and London Marylebone, London Euston, London Waterloo and Greenford.
London Buses between London and Slough.
South Western Railway between London Waterloo and Reading until the end of the day.
Chiltern Railways between London Marylebone and Oxford/Banbury until the end of the day.
West Midlands Railway between Birmingham New Street and Great Malvern via Worcester.
Virgin Trains West Coast between London Euston and Birmingham New Street until the end of the day.
CrossCountry between Cheltenham Spa and Penzance and also between Basignstoke and Birmingham New Street.
Transport for Wales between Cheltenham Spa and Cardiff Central and between Newport (South Wales) and Cheltenham Spa.
Compensation:

If your train service was delayed or cancelled, you could be entitled to a refund or compensation, please check our Refunds and Compensation page for more information

An empty 802 moving from North Pole to Bristol brought the wires down at Hanwell around 1930 last evening. Yet to hear how any evacuations happened, they can't still be on board, can they?

An empty 802 moving from North Pole to Bristol brought the wires down at Hanwell around 1930 last evening. Yet to hear how any evacuations happened, they can't still be on board, can they?

So whooooozzz gonna pay for that one GWR or Hitachi as the 802s aren't Agility trains?

So whooooozzz gonna pay for that one GWR or Hitachi as the 802s aren't Agility trains?

An interesting commute this morning! Furze platt to maidenhead, maidenhead to Twyford, realise the reading SWR train is up the spout, change at twyford back to Slough, Slough to Windsor, Windsor to Waterloo! Will be an adventure coming home!!!

From an attribution viewpoint, I'm not yet clear whether the issue has into Hitachi, Great Western, Network Rail  or act-of-God origins. It may take a while to sort out - I understand (from yesterday) that there are still issues from the 2014 (was it?) issues at Dawlish of who picks up final bills.

On board - there may have been just a driver and I'm sure (s)he has long since been evacuated; I don't know if there's 'just' a tangle of wires or some more serious damage. No news (thank goodness) of anyone being hurt / rushed to hospital.

---

I wrote (s)he there - very interesting to learn yesterday at the GWR stakeholder conference that although the company is pressing hard in gender neutral recruitment and looking to advertise vacancies and encourage across all communities, the train driver grade remains stubbornly male dominated.  Did I hear a figure of still just 7% of train drivers being ladies?

AIUI there were people trapped on trains for hours and still hundreds stranded on the concourse at Paddington well after midnight - judging by reports customer service was pretty poor at Paddington (the usual gaping mouthed hopelessness and no-one prepared to make decisions about taxis/hotels etc) but better at Reading where there was some coordination - naturally of course that was if people were able to get to Reading.

I understand that the BTP at Paddington got thoroughly p'd off with GWR staff constantly summoning them to deal with frustrated customers who were not being threatening or abusive but just needed help, and then as the night drew on the GWR staff mostly steadily disappeared leaving the Police to deal with it all (that's from the (Police) horses mouth- TVP version).

Graham, There were many more than the 802 that got trapped when those wires descended...all the other electric units that got trapped with no power would have presumably not been running ECS but wiuld have had passengers on them? What happened to them?

On BBC Radio Berkshire just now there was a report from BBC South's Paul Clifton saying that the test IET involved was being driven by a GBRf driver and it brought down half a kilometre of cables.

Network Rail (NR) are saying less than half that - 200 metres.

Damage to overhead lines apparently.  Just what is the point of switching to overhead electricity?  It just adds another thing to go wrong .