Trains affected as work on uneven track starts

Tamper machines will repack large stones under the rail track to ensure trains run more smoothly

Trains are being replaced by buses as engineering works are carried out on uneven tracks caused by soil shrinking under the lines in parts of Essex.

Network Rail said services between Shenfield and Southend Victoria and Southminster would be affected by the late evening work which begins on Monday.

Network Rail said teams would work over the next two to three months to improve the condition under the tracks "which is being affected by the driest spring and early summer in more than 50 years".

Clay soil beneath the lines has dried and compacted as a result of prolonged hot weather, causing the track to become uneven.

Rail tracks have become uneven in many areas of the country after the clay beneath the stones has dried out in the heat

The work will see tamper machines used to lift the track, repack the ballast or large stones underneath, and create a more solid foundation so that trains can run smoothly.

"In the last two years, Network Rail has dropped around 25,000 tonnes of ballast across the route to try to minimise the effects of clay shrinkage, but an exceptionally dry spring this year has meant that it hasn't been possible to eliminate track issues," said a Greater Anglia spokesperson.

Buses will replace Greater Anglia trains for some late evening journeys on Mondays to Thursdays between Shenfield and Southend Victoria and Southminster, the rail company said.

A week later, some temporary changes to stopping patterns will affect Southend Victoria line services.

Greater Anglia said three stations - Prittlewell in Southend, Southend Airport and Romford in east London - would be "affected by slight reductions in service frequency".

Timetable alterations can be found on Greater Anglia's website while "further details of any changes to c2c and Elizabeth line services will be shared once finalised".