Train disruptions in London Photo: Shutterstock Passengers traveling between London, Southend and parts of Essex face continued rail disruption after a train derailment closed the line between Wickford and Southend Victoria, said National Rail on Monday, August 18.
The incident occurred on Friday, August 14, and extensive damage to railway infrastructure has left sections of the route closed. According to the latest National Rail update, major disruption is expected to continue until 1:00 a.m. on Friday, August 21.
The disruption affects services between London Liverpool Street and Southend Victoria and Braintree, as well as the branch line between Wickford and Southminster.
Greater Anglia services between London Liverpool Street and Southend Victoria are being canceled in full or operating only on parts of their normal routes.
Passengers currently have access to limited shuttle services. A train runs every 30 minutes between Southend Victoria and Hockley, while another half-hourly shuttle operates between Shenfield and Billericay.
A limited rail replacement bus service is also operating between Billericay and Rochford.
The Southminster branch remains affected, with no train services currently operating between Wickford and Southminster. Limited replacement buses are planned between the two stations.
National Rail warns that the replacement services have very limited capacity and cannot accommodate the number of passengers normally carried by the regular timetable. Travelers are therefore advised to check their journeys before departure, consider alternative routes and allow additional time.
Passengers affected by cancellations or significant delays may also be eligible for compensation and are advised to keep their tickets and records of their journeys.
Greater Anglia tickets are being accepted on several alternative services at no additional cost.
Passengers can use c2c services between Southend Central and London Fenchurch Street, as well as services between London Liverpool Street or London Fenchurch Street, West Ham and Southend Central.
Tickets are also being accepted on Elizabeth line services between London Liverpool Street and Shenfield, along with selected London Underground and London Overground services.
Several local bus routes can also be used as alternatives, including services connecting Southend with Rayleigh, Hockley, Rochford, Wickford and Basildon.
Passengers traveling to or from Braintree are advised to take the first available train between London Liverpool Street and Witham before changing to the shuttle service between Witham and Braintree.
National Rail said a Network Rail response team is on site investigating the incident and assessing the condition of the affected route.
Response teams are working continuously to restore the railway safely, but the extent of the infrastructure damage means normal services cannot yet resume.