London rail passengers using the Elizabeth line are being warned to expect late-night disruption next month as hot weather continues to affect tracks across the Anglia rail network, as reported by our sister title London Now.
The disruption will also affect some Greater Anglia and c2c services after dried-out peat and clay caused sections of track to sink, leading to speed restrictions and timetable changes.
Network Rail has announced service changes and overnight engineering works after ground conditions caused parts of the railway to become uneven, London Now reports, where further details of the disruption and affected routes can be read.
Elizabeth line, Greater Anglia and c2c disruption
Late-night engineering works are planned on Mondays to Thursdays, beginning August 3, across parts of the Anglia network.
On Greater Anglia services, the London Liverpool Street to Southend Victoria and Wickford to Southminster routes will see changes from 10.45pm, including rail replacement buses on some services.
READ MORE:
- A rare 1920s London Underground train is returning to the tracks this month
- Everything we know about the 22-day closure of Charing Cross this summer
- All the TfL London bus changes from July 2026
On Thursdays after 11.30pm, some London to Colchester trains will have journey times extended by up to six minutes.
Some late-night c2c services will also be affected.
The Elizabeth line will operate a reduced service between Gidea Park and Shenfield from 11pm to midnight on selected dates.
Passengers are being advised to check rail company websites before travelling.
Further speed restrictions may be needed in the coming weeks.
Impact on King’s Lynn services
Trains running between Ely and King’s Lynn will come under speed restrictions from August 3.
Services will arrive at King’s Lynn four minutes later than scheduled and depart four minutes earlier.
One train in each direction will be withdrawn or amended on weekdays, and further changes are expected at weekends.
Jenny Saunders, customer service director for Great Northern, said: "We know many passengers will feel disappointed by further timetable changes after the challenges experienced on this route in recent weeks.
"I am sincerely sorry for the impact this will have on your journey; we do not take that inconvenience lightly.
"These necessary speed restrictions mean we need to make temporary changes to the timetable between King’s Lynn and Cambridge from August 3.
"While we regret having to make these changes, they are necessary to help prevent delays building up throughout the day and to provide a more reliable service.
"Our teams will continue working closely with Network Rail to minimise the impact and return to the normal timetable as soon as conditions allow.
"Online journey planners and our website have been updated with the revised train times, and passengers are encouraged to check before they travel as services will operate differently from the usual timetable."
Some trains will also need to run with fewer carriages, as the lower speeds affect how trains and drivers can be scheduled along the route.
Engineering works and replacement services
Network Rail will carry out late-night track treatment between Ely and King’s Lynn from August 10 to 13 and again from September 21 to 24.
Buses will replace late-night trains on these dates.
Similar engineering works will impact other parts of the Anglia network, affecting Greater Anglia, c2c and Elizabeth line services.
Tracks have become unstable after the warmest spring on record and an ongoing hot summer, leading to significant challenges across the region.
Soil shrinkage beneath the tracks has made sections uneven.
Response and preventative measures
Joe Kennedy, infrastructure director for Network Rail Anglia, said: "We’re taking action to keep running the best possible service despite the significant challenges we’re again facing this summer with our peat and clay soils.
"Our teams across Anglia will continue to work hard to minimise the impact on passengers, but we’re really sorry for the disruption caused by the service changes.
"Thank you to everyone for bearing with us."
Network Rail uses tamping machines to lift affected track and push stone ballast beneath the rails to create a solid foundation.
Last year, 100km of track in the Anglia region was treated for similar soil problems.
Ahead of this summer season, thousands of tonnes of ballast have been dropped, with a total of 49,000 tonnes expected to be used in 2026.
Long-term solutions
Network Rail is monitoring the Anglia network closely, with further speed restrictions potentially being needed in the coming weeks.
Ms Saunders said: "Our teams will continue working closely with Network Rail to minimise the impact and return to the normal timetable as soon as conditions allow."
Network Rail’s late-night engineering programme will continue to be planned as necessary to help improve track conditions.
Final advice for passengers
Passengers are urged to check travel advice on the Greater Anglia, c2c and Transport for London websites for up-to-date information.
Mr Kennedy said: "We’re really sorry for the disruption caused by the service changes."
Share