Rail passengers will have to content with bus replacement services over Easter as a raft of replacement works were announced.

Passengers travelling on the c2c line between London and Shoeburyness are being urged to check ahead of their journey before Network Rail begins its upgrade of the overhead wiring system first installed on the line 1959 and 1963 and is currently prone to overheating.

Two rail replacement service will be in place for the Easter weekend. The first will run between Grays, Purfleet, Rainham and Upminster while the second service will be in operation between Pitsea and Grays although passengers are advised to check before they travel.

East Tilbury station, which crosses Princess Margaret Road, will also be closed for short periods while the wire runs take place through this section.

Speaking on the works Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, argued the disruption was necessary for the reliable service the new wiring system would provide and would help fuel the nations recovery after the coronavirus pandemic.

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She said: “This year, most of the network will be available for passengers to enjoy days out by rail throughout the Easter holidays.

“Those planning to travel between London and Shoeburyness should check how their journey might be affected by the works.”

She added: “I’d like to thank passengers for their patience while we carry out this important work to renew the track to improve reliability on this busy line.”

Currently, the overhead wiring is vulnerable to overheating during the summer months with the warm temperatures causing it to sag.

This causes the wires to be caught by trains while they are travelling undeath which bring them down and causes delays and cancellations while being fixed.

The new system will stay tight in all weathers with rail bosses hoping it will lead to less disruption for passengers over the long-term.

Much of the network will remain free of engineering works over the Easter weekend, with first or last trains on some lines being affected by maintenance work.

Passengers planning to travel very early in the morning or late at night should check if their journey will be affected.

For more information on the rail replacement service visit www.nationalrail.co.uk.