A railway tunnel near Heathrow Airport has been closed for safety reasons due to a water leak, causing significant travel disruption on the Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express that is expected to last all day.
The closure, which took effect this morning, affects services between Hayes and Harlington and Heathrow Terminals, impacting rush hour commuters traveling from Paddington. National Rail confirmed the closure, stating: 'A tunnel has been closed for safety reasons between Hayes & Harlington and Heathrow Terminal 4 / Heathrow Terminal 5. As a result, some lines between these stations are closed.'
Only one line available
The issue stems from a water leak in the tunnel, leaving only one railway line operational. Passengers have taken to social media to express frustration, with one person joking: 'Severe delays due to flooding when I can’t remember the last time it rained takes some doing, sensational work Elizabeth line.'
Services affected and alternatives
Currently, no Elizabeth line trains are running between Hayes and Harlington and Heathrow Airport, while Heathrow Express is operating a reduced service. Two Heathrow Express trains per hour will connect Paddington and Heathrow Terminal 5 until the issue is resolved.
Passengers heading to the airport can use their tickets on alternative services, including Great Western Railway trains, the London Underground Piccadilly line, or bus routes 105, 278, 350, and 482. The disruption is expected to continue until the end of the day.
