Weekend train services to face two months of delay

Train passengers have been warned of delays when engineering works take place across two months.

They will affect c2c's weekend services between Essex and east London from 3 January until 22 February.

Projects due to be carried out across the network include track maintenance, repairs and the installation of lifts at Chalkwell and Southend East stations.

Simon Milburn, from Network Rail, said: "These works will deliver a range of vital improvements from station upgrades to infrastructure maintenance."

Rail replacement buses will be in operation on the following weekends:

• 3 and 4 January: Between Leigh-on-Sea and Shoeburyness
• 18 January: Between Upminster and Pitsea via Rainham
• 25 January: Between Upminster and Pitsea and between Upminster, Rainham, Purfleet and Grays
• 31 January and 1 February: Between Upminster and Pitsea
• 8 February: Between Upminster and Leigh-on-Sea and between Stanford-le-Hope, Pitsea and Leigh-on-Sea
• 14 and 15 February: Between Leigh-on-Sea and Shoeburyness

Network Rail said rail replacement buses would "operate as needed" on 22 February, with Basildon, Ockendon and Rainham services all affected.

Mr Milburn added: "I know this will cause some disruption for passengers, so I'd like to thank everyone for their understanding and patience as we carry out these essential improvements."

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