Fifty-year-old rails on c2c network to be replaced this autumn

Rails in Essex dating back to the late 1960s are set to be replaced this autumn.

Track stretching more than 3,800 metres, which was first installed in 1967 and 1968, will be removed from c2c routes over a number of weekends across November and December.

Network Rail (NR) has described the track as worn out, and said replacing it is necessary “to minimise the chance of defects”.

At the same time, NR will fix faulty drainage pipes alongside platforms at Chalkwell station and carry out maintenance work to overhead lines and level crossings.

Simon Milburn, infrastructure director for Network Rail Anglia, said: “Our work over November and December is vital to keeping trains running safely and reliably in future. We’re really sorry for the disruption to c2c passengers, but our engineers need to get out on track and get these jobs done.”

Laura McEwen, Operations and Engineering Director for c2c, added: “Once installed, the new rail will last another 50 years, so we hope that people can understand why this work is necessary.”

Rail replacement buses will operate on:

• Sunday 3 November
• Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November
• Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November
• Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December
• Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December
• Sunday 15 December
• c2c trains will only serve London Fenchurch Street whilst engineering works take place, and not call at Stratford, though they will stop at West Ham.