Temporary amendments to c2c timetable from next week after driest spring since 1974

August 13, 2025

Customers using South Essex rail operator c2c’s services are being advised to check journey planners before they travel from Monday 18 August as the timetable is being amended in response to track conditions.

As in other parts of the country, the track has been affected by the driest spring in more than 50 years. The clay soil underneath the c2c lines has shrunk following the prolonged spell of dry weather, causing the track to drop in places and become uneven.

To keep everyone moving safely, Network Rail will apply speed restrictions from Monday 18 August. As trains will have to operate at slower speeds, some journeys will take a few minutes longer than usual, so trains may run at slightly different times. A small number of services each day will be altered to start or terminate early or not stop at some stations.

Journey planners will be updated with the amended timetable by the end of this week, and passengers are advised to check c2c-online.co.uk or nationalrail.co.uk before travelling.

Planned weeknight and weekend engineering work will continue, with Network Rail taking the chance to improve the condition of the track as much as possible. Engineers will use machines called tampers and stoneblowers to correct the level of the track and create a solid foundation so that trains can run smoothly.

In the last year, Network Rail has dropped 12,600 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.

The combination of engineering work, precautionary speed restrictions and limited service alterations from Monday 18 August is designed to prevent more disruptive reductions and changes to timetables and calling patterns. The alterations are expected to be in place for between two and three months.