Rail commuters and mourners for the Queen's funeral are continuing to face major disruption along a key Bristol route after issues continue into a second day. Significant damage to the overhead electric lines between London Paddington and West Drayton means there is no access to the capital by rail for Bristol commuters.
The disruption began at around 6.45am on Monday (September 19) affecting Great Western Railway routes, the London Underground Elizabeth Line and the Heathrow Express. GWR routes have been affected stretching as far as Penzance and passengers have been advised to avoid travel until the issue is resolved.
People travelling home from the Queen's state funeral and procession have faced severe disruption on the railway. Those heading to Windsor for the funeral proceedings there were also affected by the cancellations.
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National Rail said: "Damage to the overhead wires at Hayes & Harlington means all lines are closed through this station, resulting in major disruption. At present, no trains are able to run between Heathrow Airport / West Drayton and London Paddington.
"We anticipate disruption will continue until 12:00. Passengers are strongly advised only to travel if necessary and to please check before you travel."
Great Western Railway added: "Network Rail rapid response units are on site overnight and we are focussed on getting services up and running as soon as possible. However, due to the extent of the damage, disruption is expected for the rest of today, and until at least 12:00 Tuesday 20 September."
Customers who have delayed travelling on Monday due to the disruption have been advised they may use their tickets for travel instead on Tuesday, September 20. All lines are expected to be fully operational from midday on Tuesday.
From Bristol Temple Meads, normal services resume to Paddington from 8.30am. There is an inbound service from London to Bristol at 8.32am, but normal services are set to fully return to normal from 9.48am.
You can use your ticket on the following services via any reasonable route:
- London Buses
- London Underground
- CrossCountry
- First Bus routes 3 / 4 / 7 / X25
First Bus Berkshire are accepting GWR tickets
- Reading Buses skyblue 16 / jetBlack 1
- South Western Railway are accepting tickets via any reasonable route, however for passengers travelling between London Waterloo and Exeter, your journey may be affected by planned engineering work which is taking place
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