Trains will be running to Stratford instead of Liverpool Street and some will also run via Seven Sisters instead of Tottenham Hale

A Greater Anglia train (credit Greater Anglia)

Rail passengers travelling on the West Anglia Main Line through the east of the borough are advised to check before they travel as Network Rail carries out engineering work for 16 straight days this summer.

Between Saturday, 20th July and Sunday, 4th August, Network Rail will work on a bridge replacement project near Hackney Downs, on the route into Liverpool Street. During this time, apart from on Sundays, Greater Anglia services that usually run between Liverpool Street and Hertford East will start and finish at Stratford instead.

Additionally, Liverpool Street to Cambridge and Stansted Airport services will be diverted via, and call at, Seven Sisters instead of Tottenham Hale.

On Sundays, for most of the day, an hourly service will run between Stratford and Hertford East. Liverpool Street to Cambridge and Stansted Airport services will call at Tottenham Hale as usual.

Stratford to Meridian Water trains won’t run during the works, but other services will make additional stops at Lea Bridge, Meridian Water and Northumberland Park. Bishop’s Stortford to Stratford services will also not operate, with passengers advised to use alternative services.

Trains may leave at different times than normal throughout the period and journey times may be extended by several minutes.

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said: “Customers are advised to check before they travel and allow more time for their journeys while this work takes place.

“We would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding while this essential work is carried out.”

The 150-year-old bridge over the railway is located to the south of Hackney Downs Park and carries the junction of Downs Park Road and Bodney Road. It backs directly onto a tunnel, which emerges further down the line towards Clapton.

The bridge is monitored closely to check it is safe, but its cast iron girders are in poor condition, and they are continuing to deteriorate. A replacement structure is needed to avoid an unplanned closure and keep passengers and road users moving safely in future.

Over the 16 consecutive days, engineers from Network Rail’s contractor, Murphy, will demolish the old bridge and start building the new one.

Train services will also be affected by preparatory and follow-up works on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th August, Sunday 1st September, and Sunday 8th September.

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