We’re working round the clock to repair Nuneham Viaduct, so trains can safely run again by Saturday 10 June.
Our engineers are replacing the southern support structure, providing a long-term fix to the viaduct that will allow both passenger and freight trains to run again between Didcot Parkway and Oxford.
The work will be complex and challenging due to the proximity of the River Thames and the heavy clay soil in which the new support will need to be secured.
The railway line was closed for safety reasons on Monday 3 April after significant movements in the viaduct were detected, despite recent ground stabilisation work. Nuneham Viaduct crosses the River Thames between Culham and Radley.
Travel information
To help keep passengers moving, we are working closely with Great Western Railway (GWR), CrossCountry and Chiltern Railways with a revised timetable in operation for the duration of the line closure. A rail replacement service is operating non-stop between Oxford and Didcot, with a stopping service calling at the intermediate stations adding up to 45 minutes to journey times.
Tickets are being accepted on Chiltern Railways between London Marylebone and Oxford, as well as by other train and bus operators.
Travelling between London Paddington and Oxford/North Cotswolds
Please change at Didcot Parkway for replacement bus services, adding about 40 mins to journey times.
Travelling between the midlands and south coast
- Please change to replacement bus services between Oxford and Didcot Parkway.
- Trains will continue to operate largely as planned between Hereford/Worcestershire and Oxford.
Check before you travel
Latest updates
Watch our latest video update: Friday 9 June
Video update: Friday 2 June
Video update: Monday 22 May
Previous video updates
- Video: Saturday 05 May (Twitter) – A 750-tonne crane is now on site.
- Video: Saturday 28 April (Twitter) – Piles have now gone into the river bed so that we can build a structure to support the viaduct and enable us to remove the abutment.
- Video: Saturday 20 April (Twitter)
- Video: Saturday 13 April (Twitter)
- Video: Friday 5 April (Twitter)
Get in touch
If you have any questions please call our dedicated 24-hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or visit our contact us page.