Thameslink has told customers that all its lines between Bedford and London are closed until further notice, meaning weekend travellers are facing disruption to their journeys this morning (Sunday, June 25). This was caused, officials say, by issues with electrical wiring between St. Pancras station and Bedford, which blocked the line.
A spokesperson from Thameslink said on Twitter at 7am: “We’ve been advised due to damage to the overhead electric wires between St Pancras International and Bedford the line towards Bedford is blocked.”
Six minutes later, they added: “Whilst Network Rail inspect the overhead cables all lines are currently blocked until further notice.”
Rail users have been asked to seek alternative routes, as rail replacement buses are also unavailable. The spokesperson said: “Our team in control requested rail replacement buses, we’ve been advised there are no busses available. If possible, please delay travelling. If you travel now, you’ll need to use an alternative route.”
Keep up to date with our live blog below.
Are you experiencing travel issues today? Do you have any photos or video? Contact [email protected]
08:24Adam Toms
Some lines expected to reopen
A Thameslink spokesperson said on Twitter: “We are expecting some lines to reopen from 0930.
“Services to/from Herne Hill/Luton will not run. You will need to use an alternative route to complete your journey today.”
07:48Adam Toms
Thameslink advice
Thameslink has issued the following advice to its customers: “Due to damage to the overhead wires at St Albans all lines are currently blocked.
“We’ve received reports of damage to the overhead electric wires at St Albans. This means that all lines are currently blocked.
“Network Rail colleagues are on site and working to get the damage fixed, but this is expected to take some time.”
Travellers can use their tickets at no extra cost on the following:
North of London
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Thameslink and Great Northern services between Peterborough, St Neots, Hitchin, and London and also between London St Pancras International and Elstree and Borehamwood
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London Underground – through and around London as well as Northern line to High Barnet and Edgware
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London Buses – Between London St Pancras International & Elstree & Borehamwood
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Elizabeth Line – Between Farringdon, London Liverpool Street and Abbey Wood
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Arriva Buses on route 321 between Luton, St Albans and Watford Junction.
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East Midlands Railway between London St Pancras International and Bedford (for Luton and Luton Airport Parkway)
South of London
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Southern services via any reasonable route towards Brighton
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London Buses between London Blackfriars and Sutton via any reasonable route and also between St Albans and London St Pancras International.”
07:46Adam Toms
East Midlands Railway update
Nationa Rail is reporting that the damage to the overhead wires between London St Pancras International and Bedford is disrupting East Midland Railway services on the London St Pancras International / Nottingham / Sheffield route and the London St Pancras International / Luton Airport Parkway / Corby route.
Engineers are on site and working to get the damage fixed, but this is expected to take some time and will continue throughout today.
07:45Adam Toms
Which routes are affected?
National Rail says East Midlands Railway services between London St Pancras International and Derby / East Midlands Parkway / Nottingham / Sheffield, also between Luton and Nottingham, are currently not in service.
In addition, Thameslink services between Brighton / Horsham / London St Pancras International / Three Bridges and Bedford, also between Herne Hill / Kentish Town / London St Pancras International and Luton are blocked.