Network Rail says that work to repair Nuneham Viaduct is on schedule, with the line between Oxford and Didcot set to reopen as planned on Saturday, June 10.
This will allow Cotswold Line trains to run through to and from Reading and London Paddington for the first time since Monday, April 3, when engineers ordered the closure of the bridge over the River Thames, due to concerns about the condition of its foundations and an adjacent embankment.
Movement monitors showed that previously-planned work to stabilise the structure had not been successful, so Network Rail and specialist contractors have installed deep-piled foundations for a new abutment to support the south end of the viaduct and replaced part of the embankment.
The viaduct decks that carry the tracks over the river between Radley and Culham stations were lowered on to the new abutment over the weekend, right.
Work is now under way to lay new tracks and check the signalling system, so that test trains can run across the viaduct on Friday.
Subject to the tests proving satisfactory, GWR plans to operate a normal service between London, Oxford and the Cotswold Line on Saturday and CrossCountry Trains plans to resume normal services between Birmingham, Oxford, Reading and the South Coast.
GWR is currently reviewing compensation arrangements for season ticket holders who have not been able to travel during the closure of the viaduct and will contact them directly.
- Please note that train timetables changed during the period that Nuneham Viaduct has been closed and there are some alterations to services between London, Oxford, Worcester and Hereford. Click here for more details.
Pictures: Network Rail Western