Train derailments in Essex and East Sussex cause extended disruption
Network Rail anticipates week-long infrastructure repairs
Last updated 6 hours ago
Network Rail and Greater Anglia have issued a warning to rail passengers concerning expected service disruptions for at least a week following the train derailment near Wickford on Friday, 14th August.
The incident involved the derailment of one carriage and caused significant damage to over a mile and a half of railway infrastructure between Billericay and Hockley, necessitating the closure of this section for emergency repairs.
Limited shuttle rail services are operating between Shenfield and Billericay and between Hockley and Southend, along with a replacement bus service bridging Billericay and Hockley.
Passengers are urged to travel only if essential, re-plan journeys where possible, and check updated service information via journey planning apps and websites.
Greater Anglia tickets are being honoured on c2c services between Southend Central and London Fenchurch Street to alleviate travel disruptions.
In addition, train services between Lewes and Haywards Heath in East Sussex are halted following a separate derailment on Thursday.
Jamie Burles, Managing Director for GBR Anglia - which comprises c2c, Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia – said, “Our response teams are working around the clock and doing everything they can to safely restore the line and resume normal train services as soon as possible.
“In the meantime, we know this disruption will impact our customers’ journeys on the lines to Southend Victoria and Southminster and we are grateful for our customers’ patience as we carry out this emergency work.
"We are very sorry for the inconvenience we know this disruption to services will cause. As repair work progresses, further updates on any changes to services and the impact on journeys will be provided when they are available.”
Customers are encouraged to stay informed on service updates, as repairs are extensive, involving track replacement, ballast and sleeper restoration, overhead line repairs, and signalling equipment checks.