Rail passengers can expect disruption to their journeys this weekend when engineering works get underway.

Network Rail is replacing tracks and improving drainage on the c2c line between Shoebury and London.

The main work will take place between Fenchurch Street and Barking and will be carried out across the next five consecutive weekends.

The improvements will see nearly one and a half miles of track ripped up and replaced, while 40 new catchpits, 180 new drain pipes and 1,000 tonnes of top stone will also be improved to boost drainage.

As a result, all trains on the Basildon line tomorrow will begin or terminate at London Liverpoll Street, whole trains on the Ockendon line will begin or terminate from Upminster.

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On Sunday, passengers travelling between Pitsea and Grays, as well as Upminster to Grays, will need to take a rail replacements bus.

Network Rail says the work will help reliability on the line and Network Rail’s route managing director for Anglia, Ellie Burrows, said: “We’re replacing track and installing new drainage systems between London and Barking in order to keep services running safely and to minimise delays on this line.

“We can only carry out this work when trains aren’t running and have planned this in at the weekend when fewer people travel.

“I advise passengers to check before they travel and thank everyone for their patience while the work takes place.”