No Direct Trains from Midlands to London Paddington Until June
Great Western Railway (GWR) has extended its disruption, confirming no direct trains will run from the Midlands to London Paddington until June. Trains will only run as far as Oxford, where services will terminate.
Urgent Repairs Shut Nuneham Viaduct Line
The chaos is all down to urgent repair works and safety inspections on the Nuneham Viaduct, the crucial link between Didcot Parkway and Oxford. Network Rail is installing a temporary structure to stabilise the bridge. The line is expected to reopen on June 10, 2023.
Replacement Buses and Alternative Routes
- A limited replacement bus service runs between Didcot and Oxford but is already expected to be “very busy” with “significant delays.”
- These bus services also serve Appleford, Culham, and Radley stations.
- Passengers travelling from Worcestershire Parkway, Pershore, and Evesham to London are advised to use Cross Country or West Midlands Railways trains, which accept GWR tickets.
- From Birmingham, travellers can catch Avanti West Coast trains to London Euston or Chiltern Railways services to London Marylebone.
- Those going from Honeybourne and Combe to London should connect through Oxford.
What You Need to Know Before You Travel
Trains between Hereford, Worcestershire, and Oxford continue but may run on revised timetables. GWR urges passengers to check schedules, especially for early morning or late evening trips.
Season ticket holders can expect compensation plans, with GWR set to contact them directly.
Passengers who have already booked tickets but choose not to travel can claim full refunds or amend their tickets. Anyone delayed by 15 minutes or more may be eligible for Delay Repay.
Travellers, brace yourselves for delays and plan ahead!
