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Southeastern rail services disrupted at Dartford and Gravesend after lorry hits bridge in Swanscombe and tree on tracks at Greenwich

07:46, 09 July 2024

updated: 10:42, 09 July 2024

There are delays to rail services this morning due to a fallen tree and a lorry hitting a bridge.

All services between London and Dartford via Woolwich, and between Dartford and Gravesend were affected.

A tree had to be cleared from the line at Greenwich, which was affecting Dartford commuters. Picture: Southeastern
A tree had to be cleared from the line at Greenwich, which was affecting Dartford commuters. Picture: Southeastern

Southeastern warned commuters on X, formerly known as Twitter, of the disruption at about 5.50am.

“Because of a tree on the line between Maze Hill and Greenwich, no services can run between London and Dartford via Woolwich,” the rail firm said.

Woolwich line trains were also being diverted via Sidcup or Bexleyheath.

The train company says commuters can use their ticket for no extra cost on other transport links.

This includes the DLR between Lewisham and Greenwich, London Underground between North Greenwich and London Bridge, Elizabeth Line between Abbey Wood and central London, as well as London Buses on reasonable routes between Dartford and Greenwich.

Trains were being diverted via Sidcup or Bexleyheath. Picture: Matthew Walker
Trains were being diverted via Sidcup or Bexleyheath. Picture: Matthew Walker

It was reported that engineers were at the site from 7.14am. The tree has since been safely removed.

Just over an hour later, a lorry hit a bridge near Swanscombe.

This meant that trains were also unable to run between Dartford and Gravesend – adding to the travel chaos caused earlier.

Following an inspection by staff, the line was reopened shortly before 9am.

There are still delays to trains towards London via Woolwich and Bexleyheath.

A spokesperson added: “Some trains may still be altered while we work to restore normal service.”

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