Work begins to shore up Essex rail tracks affected by clay soil issue
The work will see tamper machines used to lift the track, repack the ballast or large stones underneath, and create a more solid foundation so that trains can run smoothly. "In the last two years, Network Rail has dropped around 25,000 tonnes of ballast across the route to try to minimise the effects of clay shrinkage, but an exceptionally dry spring this year has meant that it hasn't been possible to eliminate track issues," said a Greater Anglia spokesperson. Buses will replace Greater Anglia trains for some late evening journeys on Mondays to Thursdays between Shenfield and Southend Victoria and Southminster, the rail company said. A week later, some temporary changes to stopping patterns will affect Southend Victoria line services.Greater Anglia said three stations - Prittlewell in Southend, Southend Airport and Romford in east London - would be "affected by slight reductions in service frequency".Timetable alterations can be found on Greater Anglia's website while "further details of any changes to c2c and Elizabeth line services will be shared once finalised".
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