Travellers had to be ferried by buses and coaches between Colchester and Ipswich this afternoon after overhead wire problems led to delays and cancellations of train services.
The problems arose just after 1pm today between Manningtree and Ipswich with some lines blocked.
The Greater Anglian Twitter site said that services running through the stations would be cancelled, delayed by up to 30 minutes or revised and that the disruption is expected until 11pm.
Rail replacement buses are on route to Colchester/Manningtree and Ipswich with an estimated time of arrival between 3.30pm and 3.40pm and once on site will run a rail replacement services between Colchester and Ipswich via Manningtree.
British Transport Police in Essex helped people to get off one of the trains which was stuck on the outskirts of Manningtree.
They said that “good teamwork” between their teams in Colchester and Southend helped passengers off the stalled train helping with luggage and giving out water in the afternoon heat.
Lucy Wright, media officer for Greater Anglia, said: “Services are currently unable to run between Ipswich and Colchester due to problems with the overhead wires near Manningtree. Rail replacement buses are now running and Network Rail engineers are working to fix the fault as soon as possible.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused. Anyone who has been delayed for more than 30 minutes can claim delay repay compensation at www.greateranglia.co.uk/delayrepay
“Trains will run hourly between Norwich and Ipswich, and Colchester and Ingatestone. Anyone wishing to travel between Ipswich and Colchester will need to board the rail replacement bus.”
Passenger Cameron Halls Tweeted to say: “Yet another Greater Anglia weekend bus replacement. Obviously not the best thing but the coaches are very comfortable.
“Shout out to the happy smiley helpers in high viz jackets always too.”
There was also a prolbme with a track fault earlier in the day between Oulton Broad North and Lowestoft, but this was cleared by noon.
However, just before 4pm there was a fault detected to the swing bride at Oulton Broad as it was not closing properly.
Services between Lowestoft and Ipswich were terminating at Outlon Broad South station.
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