UPDATE: Second burst water main causes major Thameslink delays

Frustrated Thameslink commuters experiencing ongoing train delays will not see an end anytime soon after a second water leak in five days has been confirmed.

People travelling on the Thameslink line between Bedford and Brighton will endure delays of up to 40 minutes today (Wednesday) due to another Thames Water main leaking into the Clerkenwell tunnel.

The rail route will be closed between Farringdon and St Pancras International from 9pm, and passengers have been advised to expect severe delays during peak time this evening.

The speed at which trains can run has been heavily reduced, adding to the delays.

Passengers saw the first set of delays begin after the water main burst on Friday (23).

Stuart Cheshire, GTR’s Passenger Service Director for Thameslink, said: “Passengers have been very patient but, like us, that patience has been utterly exhausted. These recurring leaks have to stop. Our passengers want a reliable service and we want to give it to them.

“Tonight our passengers will have another very difficult journey home. We will have to thin out our services before cancelling them altogether between St Pancras and Farringdon.”

Buses have been arranged to run between the Great Northern route and Thameslink and tickets are to be accepted by all other operators.

Passengers can claim compensation for their delayed journeys here and journey information can be found here.