Trains restart between Reading and Swindon following gas leak near Didcot
The incident caused major disruption
Trains between Reading and Swindon have resumed today following repairs on a major gas leak near Didcot.
The leak, which was caused during nearby building works, required SGN engineers to establish an exclusion zone affecting rail operations to ensure safety while remedial work was underway.
Network Rail and Great Western Railway (GWR) confirmed services are running according to the usual timetable, though passengers are advised to check for any last-minute changes as efforts to fully restore normal services continue.
Tickets purchased for travel through Didcot yesterday Wednesday, 23rd September, will remain valid for travel today. Alternatively, passengers can apply for refunds on unused tickets by visiting GWR's refund page .
Marcus Jones, Route Director for Network Rail's Great Western route, said:
"I'm pleased to confirm that SGN's engineers have now repaired the gas leak near Didcot, and the safety exclusion zone affecting the railway has been lifted.
We know this incident has caused frustration for customers and we're grateful for their patience while the necessary safety measures were in place. We'd also like to thank SGN and our train operator colleagues for their close collaboration throughout the response.
While we expect a near-normal service today, there may still be some last-minute changes as we work to fully restore the timetable, so please check your journey before you travel."
GWR Managing Director Mark Hopwood said:
"I'm glad to say the gas leak near Didcot has now been repaired, and we expect to be running a near-normal service today.
I'm sorry for the disruption this has caused customers over the last couple of days, and I'd like to thank everyone for bearing with us while SGN's engineers carried out this essential repair work.
As we work to fully restore normal services, there's a chance some trains may still be subject to short-notice alterations, so please check before you travel. Our colleagues at stations and on trains will continue to help customers with their journeys, and we'll keep passengers updated if anything changes."
Nick Westcott, CrossCountry’s Service Delivery Director, said:
“We’d like to thank customers for their patience following a gas leak near the railway at Didcot, which has caused significant disruption to CrossCountry services.
We know the impact that delays and changes to journeys can have, and we’re sorry for the inconvenience caused. Network Rail and industry partners have ensured the railway can now reopen safely and CrossCountry services between Reading and Oxford will resume.”
Passengers are encouraged to check their travel arrangements ahead of time as normal services are reinstated.