Major Essex rail delays as overhead cables ‘severely damaged’

Severe damage to overhead wires has caused major disruption on Essex rail lines this morning, with delays expected to last all day (May 18). There has been damage to wires between Stanford-le-Hope and Pitsea which has blocked some of the c2c routes.

c2c have stated it expects the disruption on the rail lines to last until close of play on Thursday, with some services being cancelled or diverted through to Basildon. There will also be bus replacement services operating between Stanford and Pitsea.

In a statement on c2c's website, they said: "For peak services, Ockendon and Rainham train services that are booked to start from/terminate at Pitsea will now start from/terminate at Stanford-le-Hope. Rail Replacement Buses will operate between Pitsea and Stanford-le-Hope.

"For off peak services, Ockendon and Rainham train services that are booked to run though Pitsea and start from/terminate at Southend Central/Shoeburyness will be diverted via Basildon and will run non-stop between Pitsea and Upminster.

"Rail Replacement Buses will operate between Pitsea and Grays. A shuttle train service will operate between Grays and Upminster."

Severe damage to overhead lines at Stanford-le-Hope.No trains running between Stanford-le-Hope and Pitsea expected until Friday morning.Services may be disrupted across the route. Check before you travel: https://t.co/G63yxmhvCq[2]

— c2c Rail (@c2c_Rail)

They continued: "Our route is expected to remain closed between Stanford-le-Hope and Pitsea all throughout today. This is following extensive damage caused by a road vehicle striking the level crossing barriers and overhead wire equipment in the Fobbing area yesterday.

"Network Rail engineers have been working since yesterday afternoon to fix the damage, repairs are expected to be complete by start of service tomorrow morning. If your journey has been disrupted by more than 15 minutes, you may be entitled to cash compensation."

More details on the delays and the alternative arrangements can be found here[3].

References

  1. ^ Traffic and travel news from across Essex (www.essexlive.news)
  2. ^ https://t.co/G63yxmhvCq (t.co)
  3. ^ can be found here (www.journeycheck.com)