Safety checks on 20km of track to delay trains

Rail passengers have been warned of delays in south Essex over the weekend because 20km (12.4 miles) of track is being assessed.

Network Rail said clay underneath the railway had "dried out and shrunk", causing issues with the track condition between Southminster and Wickford.

Buses will replace trains at all stations on the line on Saturday and Sunday, apart from at Battlesbridge where no rail replacement is being offered.

The area has been under intense scrutiny after a train carrying 62 passengers derailed near Wickford on 14 August.

Investigators believe the incident was caused by a "misalignment" or "kink" in the track and are due to release a full report at a later date.

Network Rail said despite recent rainfall, the ground would not immediately return to normal.

"In fact, as the clay reabsorbs water it can expand unevenly, causing further ground movement that can affect the track," a spokesman said.

Trains have been running at slower speeds along the Southminster branch and with an amended timetable since the derailment.

Engineers plan to use stone ballast to create a solid foundation underneath the track.

Martin Beable, Great British Railways Anglia's chief operating officer, apologised for the disruption.

"These are essential works that we must get done to keep running a safe railway that passengers can depend on," he said.

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