Rail bosses have issued a ‘do not travel’ warning after overhead wiring on several lines into Kings Cross station sustained ‘severe damage’, with multiple trains travelling across the country being delayed or cancelled.
Four train companies have confirmed they are still affected, as engineers work to repair the damage between Stevenage and Hitchin, which was discovered yesterday evening.
A statement on the London North Eastern Railway page states: ‘We have been advised that the wires have been damaged and that the railway through this area cannot be used by electric trains at present.
‘This includes all Great Northern and Thameslink services. Network Rail are on site, and carrying out repairs as quickly as possible, but this will take a considerable amount of time.’
Grand Central, Great Northern, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) and Thameslink are experiencing disruption to service, The Sun reports.
Large crowds of travellers, brought on by delayed trains, are seen at Kings Cross station during rush hour
Rail bosses have issued a ‘do not travel’ warning after overhead wiring on several lines into Kings Cross station sustained ‘severe damage’, with multiple trains travelling across the country being delayed or cancelled
For people who still need to travel, it is strongly advised to leave earlier to ensure they reach their destination before the lines are closed. Pictured: Passengers contemplate their travel plans after learning of the disruption today
A message from LNER stated that three out of four lines have now been reopened, but ‘major disruption’ is expected until the end of the day on trains running between London and Cambridge, and London and Peterborough.
Hull Trains and Lumo are no longer affected by this incident.
Customers on Grand Central trains have been advised they can use their ticket dated Friday, 9 August for travel today (Saturday 10 August) at no extra cost.
LNER has also advised that all lines will be closed from midnight tonight, between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin.
Staff are currently working on a service plan, but passengers should expect their journeys to be extended by more than an hour, as travel will involve the use of rail replacement buses, combined with a limited train service.
Great Northern and Thameslink have requested replacement buses for passengers, but this has as yet not been confirmed.
For people who still need to travel, it is strongly advised to leave earlier to ensure they reach their destination before the lines are closed.
Current reduced service affected Thameslink and Great Northern trains includes:
- Services between Brighton and Cambridge are suspended
- Horsham to Peterborough services will only run Horsham to East Croydon
- Services between Moorgate and Welwyn Garden City, and Stevenage, will run as booked
- Peterborough to London Kings Cross will run hourly at 24 minutes past the hour (not calling at Hitchin)
- London Kings Cross to Peterborough will hourly at 46 minutes past the hour
Passengers are strongly advised to check live journey planners before travelling.
Train lines anticipating disruption are allowing passengers to use their tickets on other routes.
Four train companies have confirmed they are still affected, including Thameslink, as engineers work to repair the damage between Stevenage and Hitchin, which was discovered yesterday
The following upcoming trains have been cancelled from King’s Cross:
Cambridge (Great Northern) 7.27pm
Newcastle (LNER) 7.30pm
King’s Lynn (Great Northern) 7.39pm
Letchworth Garden City (Great Northern) 7.57pm
Leeds (LNER) 8.03pm
King’s Lynn (Great Northern) 8.09pm
Peterborough (Thameslink) 8.16pm
Cambridge (Great Northern) 8.27pm
Kings Lynn (Great Northern) 8.39pm
A statement on the LNER website page stated: ‘LNER is advising customers DO NOT TRAVEL, they are running a significantly reduced service and services that are running are extremely busy.’
Customers who have not yet started their journey today (Saturday, 10 August) may use their tickets to travel tomorrow (Sunday) or Monday.
Most southbound lines towards London Kings Cross have now reopened.