Cancellations to train services between Reading and Newbury all day

There are cancellations to train services between Reading and Newbury today (Wednesday).

Great Western Railway said this is due to damage to the overhead electric wires.

Fewer trains are now able to run on all lines and train services running through these stations may be cancelled.

Disruption is expected until the end of the day.

Around midday yesterday (Tuesday), a part of a trains overhead electrical system collided with a bridge just west of Newbury.

This collision resulted in damage to both the train and the overhead line equipment.

Network Rail is still assessing the damage to its infrastructure.

As a consequence, GWR is unable to operate any electric-only traction trains between Newbury and Reading until further notice.

GWR & Network Rail Western Control have been working overnight to formulate a plan to utilise diesel units from other areas of the network to try and maintain a good level of service between Newbury and Reading.

GWR said the specifics of this plan will be announced later this morning but will of course be advertised as soon as they're confirmed.

For now, it said there will be a reduced service between Newbury and Reading.

The Bedwyn to Newbury shuttles will operate as normal.

Newbury to Reading shuttles will be subject to cancellations, though some may operate using diesel trains.

Fast London Paddington-bound trains that start at Bedwyn/Frome/Bristol during the AM peak period will run as booked.

Any customers travelling between the Newbury area and Reading have the option to use rail ticket(s) on local bus route Reading JetBlack 1, departing from Newbury Wharf.

This is an eight minute walk from Newbury train station and serves most of the station areas on route to Reading. GWR said this will be in place as a contingency until further notice.

Where possible it will also be looking to place Newbury as an additional stop into long-distance West of England trains that operate between Devon/Cornwall and London Paddington.

But this will be done on an as required ad-hoc basis and will be subject to short-notice amendments.

GWR has apologised for the inconvenience.