Track defects cause delays and cancellations of trains

A track defect and a shortage of signaling staff have led to major disruptions to trains between London Paddington and both Heathrow Airport and Reading.

National Rail’s passenger information website warned Elizabeth Line, Great Western Railway and Heathrow Express services were all affected.

Scheduled services from Elizabeth to Heathrow Terminal 5 have been suspended and trains between Paddington and Reading may be canceled or delayed, with disruptions expected until the end of Tuesday.

Trains were initially unable to run at all between Heathrow Airport and London Paddington, but the route was later reopened to Heathrow Express, albeit on a reduced timetable.

There is also a limited Elizabeth service to Heathrow Terminal 4.

Network Rail said engineers discovered the track defect on the high-speed line towards Paddington in the Acton area of ​​west London, adding that it had restricted the speed at which trains could travel, causing delays.

It continued by saying the track would be monitored throughout the day “to ensure trains continue to travel safely” until it can be replaced, and apologized to passengers for the disruption.

A member of the signaling staff was unwell and caused further delays, but a replacement staff member was found, Network Rail said.