A speed restriction becuase of high track temperatures is in place between Ashford International and Hastings. As a result, trains may be delayed by up to 30 minutes. This is expected until 16:00.
Customer Advice:
Services are expected to experience some delays of up to 15 minutes in the Doleham area.
You can continue to use your normal route, however you should allow extra travel time.
Please ensure to check your journey using journey planners prior to travelling.
You can also check your journey using the live route map here.
Can you tell me more about the incident?
Today's summer weather may cause some disruption to your journey between Ashford International and Hastings. Rails in direct sunshine can be as much as 20°C hotter than the air temperature. Because rails are made from steel, they expand as they get hotter, and can start to buckle.
Beyond a certain temperature, speed restrictions are likely to be put in place. Slower trains exert lower forces on the track, and this reduces the chance of buckling.
Speed restrictions are especially likely following engineering works. There is a gradual process to adjust the track after it is replaced, and this can be affected by very warm weather. To prevent the rails from being damaged, lower speed limits can be necessary.
Preventative measures are also put into place - for example, certain rails which are known to get hot may be painted white in order to reflect sunshine. Also, some of the points at junctions may not be used as frequently as usual. The electronic controls are very sensitive and hotter steelwork can mean that faults are detected.
Because of the chance of delays, please make sure you take water with you when you're travelling, and keep an eye on our latest updates about your journey.
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.