Friday 20 Jul 2018
Thameslink passengers disrupted by tree falling onto overhead lines
- Region & Route:
- | Eastern
Passengers using Thameslink services are disrupted today (Friday 20 July) after a tree fell onto the overhead wires which power trains in the St Albans area.
Network Rail response teams removed the trees as quickly as possible but one of the four tracks through the area is only available to diesel trains until repair work is carried out overnight. As all Thameslink trains are electrically-powered this is continuing to cause disruption.
Neil Henry, Network Rail’s head of operations, said: “We are sorry for the continued disruption this is causing to passengers. Although the tree has been removed it caused damage to the overhead power cables on one of the lines which needs to be repaired before it can be used by electrically powered trains. We need to close all of the lines to safely carry out the repair so this will be carried out after the end of service tonight to minimise the disruption. We fully expect all lines to be open as usual for start of service on Saturday.”
Notes to Editors
Thameslink advice to passengers can be found at https://www.thameslinkrailway.com/travel-information/plan-your-journey/service-updates?uq=636676872812620000#INC840F54B3DA514DF7965A6AD92E194BEC. This states that electric Thameslink trains, which depend on the overhead power lines, have only one of the two northbound tracks available which is causing delays of up to 30 minutes with a knock-on effect on the route between Peterborough and Horsham of up to 15 minutes. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Trains are amended as follows:
- Bedford and Gatwick Airport services are suspended (alternative Thameslink trains are available)
- St Albans and Sutton via Mitcham Junction & Wimbledon services are limited. These services are starting and terminating at London Blackfriars or Kentish Town
- Luton to Rainham services will call additionally at Mill Hill Broadway, Cricklewood and Kentish Town
- Bedford to Brighton services will not have any alteration to the calling pattern, however, these may be subject to residual delays
- Where possible, additional stops will be placed on as many services throughout the day
Contact information
Passengers / community members
Network Rail national helpline
03457 11 41 41
Latest travel advice
Please visit National Rail Enquiries
Journalists
Joanne Parker
joanne.parker@networkrail.co.uk
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