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Tuesday 18 Dec 2012

Network Rail repairing damage to overhead power at Hitchin

Region & Route:

National

Engineers have been at Hitchin on the East Coast main line since yesterday afternoon working to repair damaged overhead lines.

Problems with the wires on three tracks were discovered soon after 2.30pm on Monday and they were repaired overnight.

Unfortunately when the line was reopened this morning, further problems were found and we had to close the railway again to repair the damage.

Shortly before noon today, three tracks through the area were reopened to traffic and operators will be able to run an amended service on the main line.

However, owing to the damage to the overhead wire, one line remains closed through Hitchin station, meaning London-bound trains will not be able to call there, and there will be no trains to or from Cambridge. Passengers for Cambridge should travel via London Liverpool Street.

Network Rail’s managing director, network operations, Robin Gisby, said: “I would like to apologise for the disruption passengers have experienced yesterday evening and today. We have had teams on site in Hitchin since yesterday afternoon and working through the night to fix the problem, which originally occurred at 2.30pm. Unfortunately, further damage was found nearby when services resumed this morning.

“We have now been able to open three of the four lines through Hitchin, and will continue to work to repair the damage. Passengers are advised to check with their train operator before travelling, as it may take some time for services to return to normal.”