Infrastructure problems in Thames Valley causing disruption elsewhere - ongoing, since Oct 2014

[whole diary]

[TaplowGreen]

Now just saying  "all lines will be blocked..... disruption is expected until the end of the day....."

No time given for any resumption tonight?

[nickswift99]

Following a landslip between London Paddington and Reading some lines will be reopened shortly.

However, the evening schedule is now toast, so GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) have arranged ticket acceptance with Chiltern, WMR and Avanti.

Up and Down Main appear to be blocked between Hanwell and Ealing Broadway too, so that's going to scupper any resemblance of recovery.

[a-driver]

Now just saying  "all lines will be blocked..... disruption is expected until the end of the day....."

No time given for any resumption tonight?

1830 Weston followed by 1836 Plymouth look like the first two to depart Paddington.

Line blocks all lifted outside of Padd.

[Mark A]

I was thinking last night that there was a malevolent set to the wind which also, was from the east south east, not the most common of directions for what was quite a sustained blow. It possibly contributed to loosening the hold of trees growing on the north side of the cutting at Sonning. Photos from Network Rail Western are curious too, several trees on a slope and leaning into the line, it's surprising that they were tolerated.

Mark

[TaplowGreen]

I was thinking last night that there was a malevolent set to the wind which also, was from the east south east, not the most common of directions for what was quite a sustained blow. It possibly contributed to loosening the hold of trees growing on the north side of the cutting at Sonning. Photos from Network Rail Western are curious too, several trees on a slope and leaning into the line, it's surprising that they were tolerated.

Mark

Ah.....the wrong type of wind? 

[TaplowGreen]

In somewhat timely manner, Tuesday 27th at 1830 Paul Clifton is presenting a report on BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) South regional news on the shambolic state of the Paddington-Reading service/infrastructure.

[a-driver]

In somewhat timely manner, Tuesday 27th at 1830 Paul Clifton is presenting a report on BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) South regional news on the shambolic state of the Paddington-Reading service/infrastructure.

After repeated attempts at taking a block to sort this tree out at Sonning, on the third or fourth attempt they took a block at 17:15. 30 minutes later they lifted the block because they realised they couldn’t complete the required work. It’s going to be done overnight now.
The evening peak destroyed for no good reason. Someone at NR^» (Network Rail - home page) is going to have some serious explaining to do in the morning.

[nickswift99]

Now it's after 2200, the timetable of the day for tomorrow still assumes a 4 track railway (Didcot and Newbury semi-fasts are still in the timetable).

Either NR^» (Network Rail - home page) are certain it's going to get fixed, or there's going to be a huge amount of delay repay again.

[Birdie100]

I’ve noticed a strange blue flashing light on the overhead lines the last couple of nights on the main line just outside Charvil driving past. Can anyone elaborate what that is? I assume it relates to the plant being delivered to site. Initially I thought it was a police car or similar but presume it must relate to the main lines being closed at Sonning.

[a-driver]

I’ve noticed a strange blue flashing light on the overhead lines the last couple of nights on the main line just outside Charvil driving past. Can anyone elaborate what that is? I assume it relates to the plant being delivered to site. Initially I thought it was a police car or similar but presume it must relate to the main lines being closed at Sonning.

Indicates to those working on the lines that the overhead lines have been isolated.

[TaplowGreen]

Due to a fault with the signalling system between Bourne End and Marlow, all lines are blocked.

Train services running to and from these stations will be cancelled or delayed. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.

[bradshaw]

Things have now come to a head it seems with route renewals

  Network Rail has announced a recovery plan for the Reading-London Paddington route after months of poor performance.
It made national headlines when broken wires left 4,000 passengers stranded on trains for four hours at night, near Ladbroke Grove, on 7 December.
Most passengers had to walk along the tracks to reach safety. There have also been a spate of failures, including broken rails and signalling faults.
The route is now set to be overhauled in three phases over 18 months.

For the next four weeks, there will be fewer trains late at night, while engineers carry out remedial work to the tracks, signalling and overhead wires.
For the last couple of hours each evening, only two of the four tracks will be open.
A six month period of work to stabilise performance, will follow, then a year-long programme to put long-term solutions in place.
Beyond that, the overhead wires will be replaced in west London. They are 30 years old and were installed when the Heathrow Express began.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-68402089

[IndustryInsider]

Now it's after 2200, the timetable of the day for tomorrow still assumes a 4 track railway (Didcot and Newbury semi-fasts are still in the timetable).

Either NR^» (Network Rail - home page) are certain it's going to get fixed, or there's going to be a huge amount of delay repay again.

Looks like it was all fixed.

[TaplowGreen]

Now it's after 2200, the timetable of the day for tomorrow still assumes a 4 track railway (Didcot and Newbury semi-fasts are still in the timetable).

Either NR^» (Network Rail - home page) are certain it's going to get fixed, or there's going to be a huge amount of delay repay again.

Looks like it was all fixed.

Perhaps not

Cancellations to services between London Paddington and Reading

Due to a landslip between Twyford and Reading fewer trains are able to run. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.

Train services between London Paddington and Reading may be cancelled, delayed or revised.

[TaplowGreen]

Still ongoing......

Cancellations to services between London Paddington and Reading
Due to a landslip between London Paddington and Reading some lines towards Reading are blocked.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed. Disruption is expected until 11:30 29/02.

Customer Advice
We're sorry for the delay to your journey this morning.
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Due to a landslip near the railway in the Twyford area, Network Rail need to access the railway to make the area safe. This means they will need to close one of the 4 lines that run through the area for 1 hour from 10:15.
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Some local stopping trains between Didcot Parkway and London Paddington will be terminated and started back from Reading. Customers at Twyford travelling towards Reading may wish to travel to Maidenhead and then circulate back to Reading