Lines have reopened following an object being caught on the overhead electric wires between Hitchin and Peterborough earlier today. As service recovers, trains running between Stevenage and Peterborough may still be cancelled or delayed by up to 60 minutes.

Disruption is expected until 18:00.

Customer advice

Thameslink

Trains can now run between Hitchin and Peterborough in both directions, however, services are still expected to be severely delayed, and may be cancelled or revised at short notice.

Thameslink are working to return to their scheduled timetable, but please continue to check journey planners and station information boards, as your journey may still take up to 60 minutes longer than usual.

Due to other services affected in this area, Thameslink have been unable to source ticket acceptance on unaffected alternatives.

You can check to see if your journey is delayed by using the live map, found here.

Can you tell me more about the incident?

A piece of polystyrene was caught in the overhead electrical wires at Yaxley Lode level crossing. This caused serious disruption on Thameslink trains between Hitchin and Peterborough. Network Rail specialists have now safely removed this, and train services are able to run again.

Network Rail have information on their overhead line equipment, and how this can cause delays when they are damaged here.

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.