Network Rail says engineers working round the clock at Nuneham Viaduct

The bridge carrying the main railway line from Didcot to Oxford was closed on Monday after ‘significant movement’ was detected in the viaduct’s structure – despite what were described as ‘stablising works’ in recent weeks.

READ MORE: Rail replacement services struggling after Didcot line closure

🚧The line between Oxford and Didcot Parkway will remain shut over Easter ​

🔎Our teams are working round the clock at Nuneham viaduct​

ℹ️ Please contact your local transport operator for specific travel information

📣 We’ll update you early next week pic.twitter.com/Ao7ebNldzf

— Network Rail Western (@networkrailwest) April 8, 2023

Pictures shared online show large cracks in the bridge over the River Thames, with veteran BBC transport correspondent Paul Clifton reporting one engineer’s comment that cracks had emerged in the viaduct’s parapet so large ‘you can put your whole arm in’.

Here's what the Nuneham viaduct damage looks like, close up. They're low-res pictures but you get the idea: the structural cracks are really very large. This is why the line between Oxford and Didcot will be closed for weeks. @GWRHelp @CrossCountryUK @networkrailwest pic.twitter.com/dEHcvXKOq5

— Paul Clifton (@PaulCliftonBBC) April 6, 2023

This morning (April 8), Network Rail said the line would remain shut over Easter but that its engineering teams were working ‘round the clock’.

A further update is expected early next week.

Last week, the national rail network operator said the Didcot to Oxford line was likely to remain closed until at least the end of April.