Disruption between Ashford International and Hastings expected until 12:00 

Route(s) affected

Between Ashford International and Eastbourne

Description

A points failure at Rye is disrupting services between Ashford International and Hastings, as the line towards Hastings is blocked.

As a result, trains running through these stations will be cancelled or revised.

This is expected until 12:00.

Customer advice:

Trains are unable to run between Hastings and Ashford International due to a points failure. You will have to use an alternative route to reach your destination.

Ticket acceptance:

You can use your existing ticket at no extra cost on the following services:

• Alternative Southern services along the coast

• Southeastern services between Hastings, Tonbridge and Ashford International (this is a longer route so you will need to leave extra time to reach your destination. Please allow at least an extra 45 minutes to complete your journey)

• Stagecoach Buses routes:

  • 100 between Rye and Hastings

  • 511 between Ashford and Ham Street

Using these bus routes will take longer than normal, so allow at least an extra 30 minutes to reach your destination.

Please ensure to check before you travel using our online journey planners and live departure boards for the latest information.

Replacement buses:

Southern have requested buses from our suppliers, but there has not been confirmation of these yet.

If Southern can provide a bus service, we'll let you know by updating this message.

Bus journeys will take longer than your usual train journey on this route, and if when possible, a time estimate will be provided here.

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.

The Southern app will also help you plan your journey.

Can you tell me more about the incident?

A points failure has been reported, and this is preventing trains from travelling from Ashford International to Hastings.

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.

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 trains on other routes also being held at stations or signals.

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.

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.