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Rail passengers still facing delays due to fault at Luton

Rail passengers still facing delays due to fault at Luton

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Rail services return to normal following Luton fault

Engineers have brought in a new signalling control system after the old one was damaged Credit: ITV News Anglia

After three days of disruption, train services are finally back to normal for commuters in Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire.

Network Rail engineers had been working to fix damaged signalling equipment at Luton.

A new signalling control system has now been brought in after the old one was ruined by a power surge.

It caused major delays and lots of cancellations for passengers using both East Midlands and Thameslink trains.

Some minor alterations and cancellations can still be expected whilst the service recovers.

"It's been a long and difficult three days for our Thameslink passengers and staff who will be relieved now to learn that Network Rail has repaired this major fault.

"The effect on our service has been severe, especially north of London where we have had to cut back the number of trains to just a few an hour between Bedford and St Pancras, and also reduce the service to and from Sutton and Wimbledon. I would like to thank people for their patience."

– Stuart Cheshire, Thameslink passenger services director

Luton rail disruption expected to last until Friday morning

Disruption has been caused at Luton railway station Credit: ITV News Anglia

Commuters will continue to face disruption on trains in Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire until Friday morning (November 11).

On Tuesday afternoon, damage was caused to the overhead wires between Luton and London St Pancras International. Network Rail were able to fix the wires, but a signalling problem occurred as a result of this damage.

“I am sorry for the continued disruption to passengers. I know this situation is immensely frustrating and our engineers are working to resume services as quickly as possible.

“We are renewing the signalling equipment which was damaged beyond repair. This equipment is an essential part of how we move trains safely so we need to carry out methodical and meticulous testing overnight to make sure that it is working as it should. If this goes as planned East Midlands Trains will run a full service tomorrow. Unfortunately the level of disruption to the network means that there will be some changes to Thameslink services but we will work with them to get a full service restored as soon as possible."

– Rob McIntosh, route managing director for Network Rail

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Commuters continue to face disruption due to fault at Luton

Train delays at Luton railway station Credit: ITV News Anglia

Commuters are facing a third day of disruption on the trains in Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire.

Network Rail engineers are still trying to fix damaged signalling equipment at Luton.

There's delays of up to 90 minutes on Thameslink services between Bedford and Brighton and Luton and Sutton.

The rail operator says there's a severely limited service across the entire network until further notice and a revised service between St Pancras and Bedford.

Normal service has now resumed on East Midlands train services.

Rail passengers still facing delays due to fault at Luton

Video report by ITV Anglia's Liz Summers.

Engineers are trying to fix the problems caused by a piece of cable that came into contact with the overhead wires at Luton Credit: Network Rail

Passengers travelling from some stations in Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire are facing major delays because of a signalling fault.

Network Rail said it was caused by damage to overhead wires at Luton and repair work will continue throughout the day.

Thameslink services are affected between Bedford and London St Pancras. There is also disruption on East Midlands trains at Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough and Northampton.

Several replacement bus services are running and passengers are asked to check before they travel.

Network Rail has apologised to rail passengers.

Train delays at Luton railway station Credit: ITV News Anglia

“I am sorry for the disruption this has caused to passengers. Our engineers have been working through the night and new teams are on site today to fix the damage. At this point we cannot say how long that work will take.

“I understand how frustrating this is for passengers and we will provide more information about when full services will resume as soon as possible.”

– Rob McIntosh, route managing director for Network Rail
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