Do not travel between Reading and Swindon due to a gas leak near Didcot.
Last updated: Wednesday 23 September, 11:54
Customers are being advised not to travel between Reading and Swindon on Wednesday 23 September following a gas leak near Didcot, which is causing severe disruption to train services.
Engineers from gas distribution company SGN are on site working to rectify the problem. However, train services cannot operate through the affected section of railway while the safety exclusion zone remains in place.
We are running as many services as possible on either side of the affected area. However, journeys across the Thames Valley and wider GWR network are expected to be disrupted.
Customers should check before travelling and allow extra time for their journeys.
Services we expect to operate
GWR expects to operate services between:
- London Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads using an alternative route, calling at Reading and Bath Spa only
- Didcot Parkway and Bristol Temple Meads, calling at Swindon, Chippenham and Bath Spa
- Bristol Temple Meads and Swansea via Bristol Parkway, Newport and Cardiff Central
- Oxford and Worcester/Hereford
- Swindon and Cheltenham Spa
- Local services will continue to run between Didcot Parkway and Oxford
- Local services that would normally operate between London Paddington and Didcot Parkway are running between London Paddington and Reading only
A very limited rail replacement bus service is expected to operate between Reading and Didcot Parkway.
All other services on routes that don't pass through the affected area are unaffected by this incident.
Ticket acceptance and travel alternatives
To help customers affected by the disruption:
- Tickets for travel on Wednesday 23 September for journeys through Didcot will be accepted on Thursday 24 September
- Customers can use their tickets on alternative operators, including Chiltern Railways, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Railway, CrossCountry, South Western Railway and London Underground services where appropriate
- Customers who choose not to travel can apply for a full refund on their unused ticket
What customers should do
Do not travel between Reading and Swindon
Services are unable to operate through the affected area, and severe disruption is expected throughout the day. Trains that can run may be extremely busy.
Check before you travel
Journey plans may change at short notice. Please check the latest journey information before you travel.
Allow extra time
Alternative routes are available for some journeys, but these will take longer than normal and may involve changing trains or using replacement transport.
Consider travelling another day
If your journey is not essential, we recommend postponing travel until services return to normal. Tickets for travel through Didcot on Wednesday 23 September can be used on Thursday 24 September.
Refunds and compensation
Customers who decide not to travel because of this disruption can apply for a refund on any unused ticket from their ticket retailer.
Customers who travel and are delayed may be entitled to Delay Repay compensation, subject to the usual terms and conditions.