Paddington disruption to continue into tomorrow as Network Rail carries out overnight repairs
Extensive disruption at Paddington station today caused by damage to overhead cables will continue into tomorrow as Network Rail carries out vital repairs.
Commuters faced a travel nightmare this morning when Paddington station was plunged into chaos after a Hitachi train caused damage to 500m of electrical power lines during a test last night.
The Heathrow Express service from Paddington and trains to and from Reading were not running for most of the morning but a limited service resumed at about midday. TfL Rail was also part suspended.
In a statement this evening, Network Rail warned that not all of its repairs could be completed over night.
Read more: Paddington travel chaos: Power failure hits rush hour commuters
“We have been working all day on our plan to replace the electric lines and associated equipment quickly and safely. We have been doing as much as possible away from the track, but we can only carry out repairs in earnest when trains are not running," it said.
It said work wold begin on the track at 9pm this evening to install new wires.
“The extent of the damage means we will not be able to complete our repairs in one night, so while services on Thursday morning will be significantly improved, there may still be some disruption. We advise passengers to continue to check with train operators before travelling. We apologise to passengers who have been affected by this major incident.”