Rail Disruption in Norfolk Due to Lightning Strike
Rail passengers traveling between Norwich, Cambridge, and Stansted Airport are facing significant disruption following a lightning strike that has damaged a signaling system in Norfolk. Greater Anglia has suspended all services due to the damage, with disruptions expected to continue until 6:00 PM BST.
The lightning strike occurred at Harling Road in East Harling, affecting the signaling system in the area including multiple level crossings and axle counters. Network Rail has deployed response teams to assess and repair the damage, but no estimated time of completion has been provided due to the extent of the work required.
Greater Anglia has been unable to find replacement buses due to engineering work taking place elsewhere. Passengers are advised not to travel between Norwich and Cambridge via Thetford and Ely, as no trains or replacement buses are available on that route.
Network Rail has advised that the damage has affected the signaling system in the area including multiple level crossings. Multiple axle counters, which help monitor speed, direction of travel and the time it takes for a train to travel, have also been affected.
Greater Anglia has stated that “Response teams have been deployed to investigate and rectify the issues, but we currently do not have an estimated time of completion for this because of the scope of the work to be carried out.”
Tickets dated for Sunday will be accepted for travel on Monday. Passengers are advised to use services that stop at Stowmarket for onward journeys to Norwich or Cambridge.
