A number of issues are currently affecting the running of First Great Western train services in the Bristol and Bath area. These are ongoing issues, and subject to change at short notice, so we would advise customers to check the Live Updates section on our website for the current situation.
Incident between Bristol Temple Meads and Bath Spa
An explosion at a gas depot close to the railway line between Bath Spa and Bristol Temple Meads is affecting services that would normally pass through the area.
The emergency services have set up an exclusion zone, which includes the route between the stations, and we are unable to run any services between them.
The following contingency services are currently in place, although we would ask customers to check our website before traveling as these arrangements are subject to change should circumstances change:
Customers are advised not to travel on this route unless it is absolutely essential.Tickets purchased for todays travel will be valid for tomorrow.
Wickwar Tunnel Closure
Network Rail is examining the Wickwar Tunnel following reports of a train being hit by debris this morning. We are unable to run train services between Gloucester and Bristol Temple Meads, and coach replacements will operate.
Continued Snow and Icy Weather Tomorrow
Following forecasts for continued snow and icy conditions across the First Great Western rail network, we will continue to run a Severe Weather Timetable to help maintain services for the majority of our customers tomorrow (Friday 8 January).
This is designed to alleviate pressure on parts of our route that are most likely to be affected by heavy snowfall and cold weather.
On Thursday, the vast majority of First Great Western's services were able to run, despite significant snowfall and freezing conditions across its railway network.
The following changes to train services are likely for tomorrow; however we would ask customers planning to travel tomorrow to check our website for any updates before travelling as we react to weather conditions overnight. Changes to Thursday’s severe weather timetable are marked 'AMENDED'.
Reading, Newbury and Bedwyn Services
Reading – Bedwyn services will operate hourly
Services between Bedwyn, Newbury and London Paddington (in both directions) will only operate between Bedwyn, Newbury and Reading (and vice versa).Customers planning to travel on these services will need to travel on alternative services between Reading and London Paddington.
Oxford – Bicester – AMENDED
These services will be running to a normal service.
Reading – Basingstoke
An hourly service will operate between these stations.
Maidenhead to Marlow Services
An hourly service will operate between Maidenhead and Marlow and vice versa.
Direct service between Bourne End and London Paddington will only operate between Bourne End and Maidenhead and customers who wish to travel on these services will need to change trains at Maidenhead.
Twyford to Henley Services
An hourly service will operate in both directions between Henley and Twyford.
Direct service between Henley and London Paddington will operate as far as Twyford. Customers who wish to travel on these services should change trains at Twyford.
North Cotswold Services
We plan to operate a normal service but this will be subject to short notice alterations should the conditions deteriorate.
North Downs Services
We plan to operate a normal service on this route, with the following exceptions. Services that normally terminate or start at Shalford will not operate.
Truro to and from Falmouth - AMENDED
These services will run as normal.
Warminster – Westbury - AMENDED
These services will be running to a normal service.
Bristol to Avonmouth and Severn Beach Services
Around half the number of normal services will run between Bristol Temple Meads and Avonmouth only.
Westbury and Melksham to Swindon Services – AMENDED These services will be running to a normal service.
Services to and from Brighton
First Great Western services on this route will be suspended South of Cosham in both directions.
First Great Western High Speed Services
We anticipate all High Speed services will operate with the following exceptions:
The 0553 Cheltenham to London Paddington service is cancelled
The 0630 Bristol Temple Meads to London Paddington service: Customers are advised to travel on the 0630 departure from Temple Meads instead, which will call additionally at Reading.
Services between Swansea and Paddington, calling at Cardiff Central, will run in both directions, however our Cardiff - Paddington services operating at 55 minutes past the hour from Cardiff and 15 minutes past the hour from Paddington will not run.
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Uses latest train information provided by National Rail Enquiries.
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