Rail passengers are advised to check their journeys before travelling due to disruption caused by dried-out clay under train tracks. From 25 August, GBR Anglia has introduced an amended timetable on the c2c route and some Greater Anglia services in Essex.
Changes on the Greater Anglia line between Southend Victoria and London will also begin on 1 September. Network Rail stated that record-breaking temperatures and low rainfall this summer have "dried out and shrunk" clay under long stretches of the railway in Essex, leading to track quality issues.
Speed restrictions and temporary timetable amendments are in place to reduce the risk of short-notice disruption. Some journeys are expected to take from two to eight minutes longer than usual. Speed restrictions will remain until ground conditions recover, with a risk of further service alterations as track conditions are monitored.
Martin Beable, chief operating officer for GBR Anglia, said: "We’re taking action to keep everyone moving safely and reliably while minimising the impact on passengers." He added that GBR Anglia will "work hard" to reintroduce timetable scheduling as soon as possible.