Greater Anglia and Elizabeth line disruption due to 'emergency' work

Network Rail announced the need for urgent repairs to replace a faulty rail between Chadwell Heath and Shenfield on September 28.

The affected section includes the track outside Gidea Park station, which allows trains to switch lines.

The deteriorating sleeper holding the rails in place will also be replaced.

The rail to be replaced; red dye has been used to show the fault(Image: AIVR by One Big Circle)

A 20mph speed restriction has been set because of the damage, and there is a possibility of a 5mph limit or a complete line block if repairs are not completed this weekend, Network Rail said.

The work means no Greater Anglia train services will operate between London Liverpool Street and Shenfield on Sunday (September 28).

A bus service will run between Newbury Park Tube station and Shenfield/Ingatestone to accommodate passengers.

Southend Victoria and Southminster line passengers should change at Shenfield, while those on the Colchester and Clacton-on-Sea line should change at Ingatestone.

Network Rail has arranged for ticket acceptance on the Central line with Transport for London.

On c2c, buses will replace trains from Leigh-on-Sea to Shoeburyness on September 28.

For the Elizabeth line, a bus service will replace trains between Chadwell Heath and Shenfield, with four trains per hour running between Seven Kings and Chadwell Heath.

Simon Milburn, infrastructure director for Network Rail Anglia, said: "We are really sorry for the disruption this is going to cause to passengers at short notice.

"Our engineers have been keeping a very close eye on the faulty rail and sleeper, and the repair now can’t wait any longer.

"This work will help us to avoid a much more disruptive speed restriction or prolonged line closure in future.

"Thank you everyone for bearing with us."

Martin Beable, managing director for Greater Anglia, added: "We apologise for the inconvenience caused by this vital emergency engineering work on Sunday.

"A full bus replacement service will be in operation, and passengers are encouraged to check before they travel."

People are advised to verify the details of their individual journeys on Sunday at greateranglia.co.uk, nationalrail.co.uk, or tfl.gov.uk.

Those planning to attend the Oasis concert at Wembley Stadium on Sunday are specifically urged to organise their travel plans in advance and allow extra time for their journeys.