Disruption between Hastings and Ashford International expected until 15:30 

Route(s) affected

Between Eastbourne and Ashford International

Description

A points failure between Hastings and Ore is causing disruption to journeys between these stations. Trains running between Hastings and Ashford International may be cancelled or revised.

Disruption is expected until 15:30.

Customer advice:

Trains are unable to run from Hastings towards Ashford International. Trains which usually run on this route may be held at Hastings while Network Rail engineers attend to investigate the issue.

This may extend your travel time by up to 30 minutes longer than usual.

You can use your ticket acceptance to travel at no extra cost on:

• Alternative Southern services between Brighton, Eastbourne, and Hastings

• Southeastern services between Hastings, Tonbridge, Ashford International, and London - please note this doesn't include High-speed services

• Stagecoach Buses on routes 100 / 101 between Hastings, Ore, Winchelsea, and Rye

Rail replacement buses have been requested, however these have not yet been confirmed by the supplier. Once Southern have an update they will provide details of the expected services, and journey planners will be updated.

Planning your journey:

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

You can also use Southern app to find up-to-date travel information.

You can also view an alternative route guide.

Can you tell me more about the incident?

A points failure has been reported, and this is preventing trains from using some of the routes through this area.

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, the line in question may be blocked entirely.

Network Rail will send their specialist Signalling & Telecoms teams to site, and they will set up a safe method of working on the track. To allow staff to access the railway, sometimes we have to stop trains completely, which can lead to your train being held at stations or signals en route.

As soon as it's safe to go on the line, the staff will diagnose the fault and find any quick solutions to resolve it.

Whilst this is being done, we 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.

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 drop-off 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.