A derailed freight wagon has caused extensive damage to the Gospel Oak to Barking line in northeast London. The damage stretches for two and a half miles and will result in a great deal of disruption to both passenger and freight services.
Just after 06:00 on Thursday 23 January, a freight wagon derailed between Leyton Midland Road and Walthamstow Queens Road and caused extensive damage, with a number of sleepers completely split in half.
Eight bridges were also damaged along with signalling and other essential equipment.
Even before a full schedule of repairs could be finalised, engineers immediately started to remove the damaged track and equipment. However, owing to the extent of the damage, it willtake some time for Network Rail to confirm contractors and key suppliers.
Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “I’d like to say sorry to all our passengers whose journeys are disrupted by this incident. Our engineers will be working around the clock to get the line open as quickly as possible.
“I also want to thank our lineside neighbours for their patience while we carry out this important work and we will aim to keep disruption to a minimum.”
A rail replacement bus service has been put in place between Walthamstow Central and Barking calling at Leyton Midland Road, Leytonstone High Road (Harrow Green), Wanstead Park and Woodgrange Park to allow passengers to complete their journey while repairs are underway.
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