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Thursday 22 Sep 2022

Repairs planned for Stevenage after overhead wire damage

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: East Coast

Major repairs are planned for the railway in Stevenage this Saturday (24 September) after the overhead electric wires were damaged on Tuesday evening.

Teams will work through the night to fix the power lines and get the railway back open for passengers on Sunday morning.

Since the incident, trains have been unable to run between Stevenage and Hertford North with a reduced service at Knebworth and some bus replacements in operation. Carrying out these vital repairs will allow these routes to reopen and a normal train service to resume.

To do this essential work safely, Network Rail will need to close a section of the railway along the East Coast Main Line at Stevenage. This means that some late night and early morning services will be cancelled.

Passengers should check their journey with National Rail or their train operator’s website before setting off.

Sarah Reid, East Coast Route Director for Network Rail, said: “We’re very sorry for the impact this incident has had on passengers travelling through Stevenage, and I’d like to thank people for their ongoing patience.

“Some lines have reopened following damage to the overhead wires on Tuesday evening, but further repairs are needed before trains can run normally again. Our teams are focused on completing this essential work over the weekend. In the meantime, passengers should check before they travel with National Rail or their train operator’s website.”

Overhead electric wires are vital pieces of equipment used to power electric and bi-mode trains. They carry 25,000 volts of electricity and are always on. Visit youvstrain.co.uk for more information.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Police, said: “At 4.40pm on Tuesday 20 September officers were called to Broadhall Way in Stevenage following concerns for the welfare of a man who had injured himself whilst on a bridge crossing over a main railway line.

“The man was taken by air ambulance to hospital where he continues to receive medical treatment.”

Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director for Thameslink and Great Northern, said: "I'm really sorry for the disruption our customers have been facing since this unfortunate incident. We're doing our very best to keep people moving until the wires can be fully fixed.

"There are fewer trains running north from Knebworth and buses instead of trains between Hertford North, Watton-at-Stone and Stevenage. Please visit the Thameslink or Great Northern website for full travel advice. You can also claim Delay Repay compensation here if you're delayed by 15 minutes or more."

ENDS