Crouch Valley line major upgrade works this summer

The work will take place along the Crouch Valley line, including the section between Battlesbridge and Southminster, during a week-long closure, with no train services running between Wickford and Southminster from Saturday, August 22 to Friday, August 28, 2026.

Rail replacement buses will be in operation throughout the closure.

Joe Kennedy, infrastructure director for GBR Anglia, said: "This essential work will help keep trains running safely and reliably on the Crouch Valley line for years to come.

Greater Anglia lines will be affected by the works (Image: Greater Anglia)

"We're replacing rails and sleepers that are more than 50 years old, alongside a range of other improvements across the route, to help reduce future faults and disruption for passengers.

"We're sorry to passengers whose journeys will be affected while this work takes place, but replacing track of this age requires an extended closure so our teams can carry out the work safely and efficiently.

"There's never an ideal time to close the railway, but we always plan these projects carefully to deliver the improvements the railway needs while minimising disruption as much as possible."

Alongside replacing the old rails and sleepers, Network Rail teams will inspect and maintain bridges, overhead lines, and signalling systems between Wickford and Southminster.

Other improvements include drainage upgrades to reduce flood risks, vegetation clearance to improve safety, and buffer stop replacement at Southminster station.

Repairs will also be carried out on the platform at Burnham-on-Crouch station.

Greater Anglia passengers planning to travel during the closure are advised to check schedules and allow extra time for their journeys.

Rail replacement bus services will call at all stations except Battlesbridge, where passengers are advised to use the nearest alternative station.