PASSENGERS are facing delays for up to three weeks on a busy route between Southminster and Wickford.

Greater Anglia has issued a warning to people who travel between the two stations after prolonged hot weather caused issued on the track. 

Soil beneath the track bed on the line has dried out and speed restrictions have had to be imposed. 

Until it can be repaired trains will run at slower speeds and bus replacement services will be in force. 

It is expected to be three weeks before the trains are back to normal.

There will be a rail replacement service until Friday, September 2.

The following train times will be affected.

Wickford to Southminster

  • 05:16 Wickford to Southminster
  • 08:16 Wickford to Southminster
  • 09:36 Wickford to Southminster
  • 10:56 Wickford to Southminster
  • 12:16 Wickford to Southminster
  • 13:36 Wickford to Southminster
  • 14:56 Wickford to Southminster
  • 16:14 Wickford to Southminster
  • 20:56 Wickford to Southminster

Southminster to Wickford

  • 06:05 Southminster to Liverpool Street will start from Wickford at 06:35
  • 08:56 Southminster to Wickford
  • 12:56 Southminster to Wickford
  • 14:16 Southminster to Wickford
  • 15:36 Southminster to Wickford
  • 16:56 Southminster to Wickford
  • 21:36 Southminster to Wickford

The buses will not be able to call at Battlesbridge.

A spokesperson for Greater Anglia said: “As a result of the impact of the extremely hot and dry conditions this summer, which have caused the soil beneath the track bed on the Wickford to Southminster line to dry out, speed restrictions have had to be imposed along the route to ensure safe operation of train services until the track has been realigned.

READ MORE>>> All you need to know after huge fire breaks out at historic beauty spot

“These restrictions are leading to extensive delays, as the trains then take longer to travel along the line.

“The extent of the problem and the equipment needed to address it is such that it is expected to take three weeks before trains can run normally again.

“The location of the designated bus stop at your station can be found by using the following link and entering your station name, then click on the Local area maps: nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/default.aspx.

“Other services on the route are also likely to be subject to some delays because of the speed restrictions. Please check your journey and allow extra time.

“Network Rail will be working hard to try and realign the track sooner than 16 September, to enable us to restore the full service and operate normally again as quickly as possible.”