Due to a points failure between Hitchin and Letchworth Garden City some lines are currently closed. As a result, trains may be cancelled, delayed or revised.
Disruption is expected until 23:00.
Customer Advice:
We've recently been told about this incident disrupting Thameslink and Great Northern services, and we're working to get more information for you.
A points failure is blocking one of the lines used by trains from Hitchin towards Letchworth Garden City, Royston, Cambridge, Ely and Kings Lynn.
Your journey may be delayed, but we don't have an exact estimate for this at the moment.
You'll be able to see any further updates on this page, so please continue to check back here.
If you need to use another route, we'll let you know shortly.
Planning your journey:
You can see live maps of the network here:
These maps will now show where your journey is likely to be delayed.
If you're waiting on a train which is delayed between stations:
If your train is delayed between stations, please remain where you are and listen to announcements, or speak to staff for further information. We'll get you moving as soon as possible. We're aware of your location, and our teams will be doing everything they can to help you continue your journey.
Please don't leave the train unless you are asked to do so. Other trains may still be moving in the area, and the track is also a very hazardous environment.
Can you tell me more about the incident?
At the moment, we're working with our colleagues at Network Rail to assess the situation.
A points failure has been reported, and this is preventing trains from travelling on one of the lines in this direction.
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.
âââââââCompensation:
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.