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Thursday 6 Jul 2017

Passengers urged to check before they travel between Norwich and Ely after lightning damages signalling equipment

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

| Eastern

Passengers travelling between Norwich and Ely are advised to check before they travel on Friday 7 July after signalling equipment was damaged by lightning.

Network Rail engineers are currently working to fix equipment damaged by the electrical storm but this work is unlikely to be completed until Friday. 

When lightning strikes a rail, the high voltage can damage sensitive electronic signalling equipment. As the signalling system fails safe when a component is damaged, all signals in the area turn red and trains must stop.

A spokesperson for Network Rail’s Anglia route said: "During an intense electrical storm on Thursday, lightning damaged signalling equipment on the railway between Norwich and Ely. 

“We are replacing the damaged parts as quickly as possible and we are working closely with train operating companies to get trains moving again as soon as we can. 

“We are sorry for the inconvenience this will cause and ask that passengers check before they travel."

A Greater Anglia spokesperson said: “Services are currently suspended between Norwich and Ely, owing to damaged signalling equipment which was struck by lightning.

“Network Rail is working with its suppliers to rectify the fault, however there will be no services between Norwich and Ely until further notice and customers are advised not to travel.

“We apologise to passengers for the severe disruption and inconvenience caused.” 

Passengers can check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk