Trains are now back moving in Swindon following a major signalling problem this morning (Thursday).

 

The signaller at Swindon Train Station reported that their panel signal box had blanked out and that there was a loss of communications with signals on the ground also blanking out.

This had an effect on services causing delays for commuters travelling from Trowbridge, Bradford on Avon and Westbury who changed trains at Bath Spa.

Engineers and operations staff investigated the failure, in Swindon, which was later diagnosed as a fault with a power transformer.

The problems affected services over a wide area from Bristol Parkway and Bathampton to Kemble and Didcot.

 

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “A major signalling failure meant trains were unable to run through the Swindon area. This caused significant disruption to services on the Great Western Main Line between London, the Thames Valley, the west of England and south Wales.

“Engineers worked at a number of locations to rectify the fault and get trains moving as quickly as possible. We worked closely with First Great Western to divert or amend services where possible to keep as many people moving as possible, and other train operators also accepted tickets on alternative routes.

 

With the backlog of stationary trains on railway lines some alterations to services is expected for around the next two hours with commuters being advised to check with their operators or National Rail Enquires for advice. 

For more information visit www.nationalrail.co.uk.