c2c rail passengers urged to plan ahead this Easter

Services on the c2c Line between London and Shoeburyness will be subject to disruption while Network Rail continues to upgrade the overhead electric lines.

The overhead wires on c2c were installed between 1959 and 1962. During the summer months, they are vulnerable to heat which causes the overhead wires sag when the weather is hot. Sagging wires can get caught on the pantograph of passing trains, bringing the wires down which results in delays and cancellations. The new wiring system remains tight in all weathers, preventing delays and cancellations for passengers.

During the work, a rail-replacement bus service will operate between Grays, Purfleet, Rainham, and Upminster, and between Pitsea and Grays. Passengers should check before they travel on c2c's website here or at www.nationalrail.co.uk for more information.

At East Tilbury, the level crossing that crosses Princess Margaret Road will be closed for short periods while wires are installed through that section.

Much of the network will remain free of engineering works over the Easter weekend, with only the first or last trains on some lines being affected by maintenance work. Passengers planning to travel very early in the morning or late at night should check if their journey will be affected.

Across the country, over 95% of lines will be unaffected by the engineering works taking place, although there will be disruption on some routes, so passengers are urged to plan ahead.

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail's route director for Anglia, said: “This year, most of the network will be available for passengers to enjoy days out by rail throughout the Easter holidays. Those planning to travel between London and Shoeburyness should check how their journey might be affected by the works. I'd like to thank passengers for their patience while we carry out this important work to renew the track to improve reliability on this busy line.”