Media centre

Monday 9 Mar 2026

Weekend engineering works to improve journeys on the Essex Thameside line

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

Network Rail will be carrying out essential maintenance on the Essex Thameside line over several weekends in April and May 2026 to keep the railway safe, reliable, and comfortable for passengers.

Passengers planning to use c2c services during specific weekends in April and May are being encouraged to check before they travel and to leave extra time to complete their journeys.

The engineering work includes:

- Overhead line work between Fenchurch Street and East Ham to improve the reliability of the power supply

- Platform refurbishment at Limehouse station to create a brighter, more accessible space for passengers.

- Track maintenance between Fenchurch Street and West Ham to improve ride quality and minimise long-term track wear.

- DLR track renewal near Limehouse and Fenchurch Street to improve track reliability and reduce service disruption from track defects.

- Bridge and building repairs over the railway to maintain key structures and protect the route for the future.

- Supporting Thames Water to maintain their sewer assets near West Ham and protect the railway underneath.

Train services will be impacted on parts of the c2c network on the following weekends:
4  and 5 April
11 and 12 April
18 and 19 April
9  and 10 May
16 and 17 May

Travel information and service alterations:
Passengers are encouraged to check their journey plans before travelling with National Rail Enquiries or via the c2c website. Alternative train services may be busier than usual, and passengers should allow extra time for their journey.

On Sunday 12 April
Basildon line
Services will run via Grays and will not call at Upminster, West Horndon, Laindon or Basildon.
Rail replacement buses will operate between Upminster and Pitsea via Laindon.
Ticket acceptance is in place on the District line between Barking and Upminster.

Ockendon line
Services via Tilbury will not call at Upminster, Ockendon or Chafford Hundred.
Shuttle trains will run between Upminster and Grays.
Ticket acceptance is in place on the District line between Barking and Upminster.

Rainham line
Services will be diverted to Liverpool Street, calling at Stratford but not at Limehouse or West Ham, and will extend to Shoeburyness.
Ticket acceptance is in place on the District line, Jubilee line and DLR.

On all other listed dates
Basildon line
Services will be diverted to Liverpool Street, calling at Stratford but not at Limehouse or West Ham.
Ticket acceptance is in place on the District line, Jubilee line and DLR via Stratford and West Ham.
(This may vary slightly by date. Please check with National Rail Enquiries or the c2c website before you travel.)

Ockendon line
Shuttle trains will run between Upminster and Grays.
Passengers should change at Upminster or Grays for services towards London or Southend.

Rainham line
Services will be diverted to Liverpool Street, calling at Stratford but not at Limehouse or West Ham.
Services will extend to Southend Central on Saturdays and to Shoeburyness on Sundays.
Ticket acceptance is in place on the District line, Jubilee line and DLR.

Mark Walker, infrastructure director for Network Rail Anglia, said:
“We’re carrying out vital upgrades along the Essex Thameside line to make journeys more reliable and resilient for passengers. From track and overhead line improvements to bridge repairs and station upgrades, this work strengthens the railway for the long term. We thank passengers and local communities for their understanding while these improvements take place.”

c2c Managing Director Rob Mullen, said: “Network Rail is investing in essential improvements along the Essex Thameside line to deliver a more reliable, resilient railway for everyone who depends on it.
"This work will strengthen the route for years to come, and we would urge all c2c customers to check before they travel during this period.