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Journeys along England’s east coast are set to get a lot smoother. In the summer, we learned that the c2c line between London and Essex would be getting a swanky new fleet of trains, and now Network Rail has announced that the track itself is getting an overhaul.
More than 3,800 metres of railway line will be replaced. It was first installed in 1967 and 1968, so has become worn out. Once the new infrastructure is in place, it will last another 50 years.
Unfortunately the much-needed engineering work will disrupt train services and could create severe delays. It’s being carried out across the c2c network, from Southend and Basildon to London Fenchurch Street. Chalkwell Station will also be affected by work fixing faulty drainage pipes.
Rail replacement buses will be in operation on parts of the line on certain weekends. Each weekend will see replacement buses between Pitsea and Shoeburyness with some additions and exceptions. They are as follows:
- Saturday, November 16: between Pitsea and Shoeburyness
- Sunday, November 17: between both Basildon and Shoeburyness, Ockendon and Shoeburyness via Tilbury and between Upminster, Rainham, Purfleet and Grays
- Saturday, November 23: between Pitsea and Shoeburyness
- Sunday, November 24: between Pitsea and Shoeburyness and and between Upminster, Rainham, Purfleet and Grays
- Saturday, November 30: between Pitsea and Shoeburyness
- Sunday, December 1: between Pitsea and Shoeburyness
- Saturday, December 7: between Pitsea and Shoeburyness
- Sunday, December 8: between both Pitsea and Shoeburyness, between Grays and Shoeburyness via Tilbury and and between Upminster, Rainham, Purfleet and Grays
- Sunday, December 15: between Pitsea and Southend Central, with a train shuttle running between Southend Central and Shoeburyness
During this time, trains won’t serve London Liverpool Street and will call at West Ham but not at Stratford.
Time Out and trains
We Brits love moaning about this country’s rail services (and with incoming strikes in London and fares set to increase, who can blame us?) but it isn’t all bad. This tiny northern train station has been named the best in the UK for 2024 and these are the ten train routes where it’s actually quicker (and cheaper) to take the train. You’re welcome.
ICYMI: These are the 10 UK rail routes where it’s quicker (and cheaper) to take the train
Plus: This tiny northern train station has been named the best in the UK for 2024.
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