Delays to Thameslink services through Cricklewood expected until 08:00 

Route(s) affected

At Cricklewood

Description

A problem in the depot at Cricklewood means that fewer lines are available. This may cause Thameslink trains through this station to be delayed by up to 10 minutes.

This is expected until 08:00.

Customer advice:

There is an issue with some of the sets of points within Cricklewood depot.

Trains are still able to run out of the depot, but fewer lines than usual are available and this could cause some delays between 5-10 minutes to some Thameslink services running between London and Bedford.

Thameslink are proactively monitoring the situation and you will still be able to travel as normal, but please allow around 10 minutes additional time for your journey.

Please ensure you check journey planners and station information screens before travelling.

Planning your journey:

Live departure boards can be viewed.

You can view a live map of the network.

You can also see an alternative route guide.

If you're travelling in the London area, you can plan journeys on alternative routes by using the TfL Journey Planner.

The Thameslink app will also help you plan your journey.

Can you tell me more about the incident?

Points are moveable sections of track which can send trains onto different routes at junctions. These are part of the signalling system, generally managed by Network Rail.

Points can stop moving correctly for a number of reasons. For example, there may be an obstruction in the moving parts, or the electronic control systems may have developed a fault.

There are various backup systems which allow signallers to try to "set" the points, and in some cases, the points may be available for trains in one of the directions they serve, but not another. However, with more severe failures like this one, the route is blocked entirely.

Network Rail have sent their specialist Signalling & Telecoms teams to site as a priority, and they will set up a safe method of working on the track. As soon as it's safe to go on the line, they will diagnose the fault and find any quick solutions to resolve it.

Whilst this is being done, Thameslink will be monitoring progress closely. At times, replacement parts may be needed, or specialist advice from suppliers, which is why some points failures take longer to resolve than others.

Check before you travel:

You can check your journey using the National Rail Enquiries real-time Journey Planner.

Compensation:

You may be entitled to compensation if you experience a delay in completing your journey today. Please keep your train ticket and make a note of your journey, as both will be required to support any claim.