Disruption to Thameslink trains between Rochester and Gravesend expected until the end of the day  

Route(s) affected

Thameslink services between Rainham (Kent) and Dartford / Kentish Town / West Hampstead Thameslink / Luton

Description

A safety inspection of the track at Higham means that all lines are blocked. As a result, trains running between Maidstone West / Rochester and Gravesend may be cancelled, delayed by up to 30 minutes or revised.

Disruption expected until the end of the day.

Thameslink customer advice:

Thameslink services will run between Luton and Dartford only. Services will not run between Dartford and Rainham (Kent) until further notice.

For journeys to / from stations between Dartford and Rainham (Kent) you'll need to either change trains on route or use an alternative route to complete your journey instead. Journeys will take at least 30 minutes longer as a result so please allow plenty of extra time.

Southeastern have arranged rail replacement buses which are currently operating between Rochester and Gravesend / Ebbsfleet International. These are advertised on journey planners and live departure boards.

Please note that Higham will have an extremely limited service until further notice. For journeys to / from this station please use the replacement buses running between Rochester and Gravesend / Ebbsfleet International.

Tickets will be accepted for no extra cost on the following:

• Southeastern services via any reasonable route, excluding high speed services - please note these services are also being affected by this incident

• London Underground between London Terminals

• Arriva Buses route 190 between Gravesend and Dartford

Planning your journey:

You can see the live departure boards, and view a live map of the network.

You can also view 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.

You can use the Thameslink app to find up-to-date information.

Can you tell me more about the incident?

Thameslink have had a report of a possible issue with the track in the Higham area. Network Rail's engineers are attending as quickly as possible to carry out a detailed inspection.

There are various different types of defects, and the first advice usually comes from drivers or other staff travelling through the area. Response staff will check the location which has been specified and find out whether the track is still supported correctly, whether the rails themselves are in the usual condition, and if there are any problems with the fixings and metalwork which attach the rails to the sleepers.

Until this is done, trains have been stopped from running in the affected direction.

Check before you travel:

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

For helpful advice if you need to travel on a rail replacement service, including accessibility and bicycle information, please use our Rail Replacement Services page.

You can find the pick-up and set-down location of rail replacement services by checking station signage or by searching for your station on our Find a Station page.

Please be advised that replacement vehicles may be busier than usual, and you should allow extra time for your journey.

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.