Published on
August 20, 2025
Trains on several routes were really delayed the morning of August 20, 2025 after a person was hit by a train between Bishops Stortford and Broxbourne, causing problems for both local and international travellers of Stansted, Cambridge, Bishops Stortford, Broxbourne, and London. Greater Anglia services are feeling the effects on major lines, leading to major disruptions for local commuters and visitors alike—especially those traveling to Stansted Airport and other nearby attractions.
Delays Impacting Commuters and Travellers
Greater Anglia announced early this morning that the railway line between Bishops Stortford and Broxbourne had been closed after the tragic incident. Trains across several routes have been delayed, with services connecting areas such as Cambridge, Hertford East, and London Liverpool Street affected.
The incident, which occurred around 7:00 AM, disrupted vital train services, including the Stansted Express, which connects Stansted Airport to London Liverpool Street. This is a key route for international travellers arriving at or departing from Stansted Airport, making the delays particularly inconvenient for those catching flights or making connecting services.
Other routes impacted by the closure include:
- Cambridge North to London Liverpool Street
- Stratford to Bishops Stortford
- Meridian Water to Stratford
- Hertford East to London Liverpool Street
- Bishops Stortford to Stratford
The entire section between Bishops Stortford and Broxbourne remains closed, with no trains running on this stretch, and passengers are being advised to expect delays for the foreseeable future.
Travel Disruptions for Tourists and Commuters
For travellers, both local and international, the disruption is proving to be an inconvenience. For tourists visiting London, Stansted, or other key destinations in the Greater Anglia region, the delays are likely to cause complications in reaching their intended destinations on time. Those heading to Stansted Airport for international flights may face difficulties due to the suspension of the Stansted Express service, leading to potential missed flights or increased travel times.
Greater Anglia has stated that they are working with Network Rail and emergency services to clear the area and reopen the affected line as soon as possible. However, the unpredictable nature of such incidents means that travellers may need to plan for further delays. Accessible rail replacement vehicles are being arranged to help those with mobility needs and those facing the greatest disruption.
What Passengers Should Expect
For those planning to travel today, especially to key destinations like London, Stansted Airport, or Stratford, it is important to plan for potential delays. Greater Anglia has advised passengers to be prepared for significant delays and has recommended that they check for alternative routes or trains. In many cases, passengers may need to change trains along the way, adding extra time to their journey.
Those travelling to Stansted should be especially vigilant. With delays to the Stansted Express, it is advised that passengers arrive at the airport earlier than usual to account for potential disruptions. Additionally, passengers are encouraged to check real-time travel updates from Greater Anglia and Network Rail to stay informed about the situation.
Broader Impact on Local and Foreign Tourists
The disruption is likely to have a ripple effect on tourism and local travel. London Liverpool Street is a major hub for commuters and tourists, and any delays here impact travel to central London and onward connections to international destinations. Visitors from abroad who rely on the Stansted Express to travel to the airport may face additional stress, which could affect their overall travel experience.
In addition, foreign tourists traveling for leisure or business to cities such as Cambridge or Stratford may encounter longer-than-expected travel times, particularly if they need to make alternate arrangements to reach their destinations. This highlights the importance of allowing extra time for travel, especially during busy periods.
The ongoing disruption may also cause delays in other areas of London, as commuters and tourists shift to alternative forms of transportation. Local businesses that rely on tourists and commuters moving efficiently around the city may see a decline in foot traffic, particularly if delays extend into peak travel times.
Preparing for Uncertainty in Rail Travel
Tourists in UK are usually dependable on train trips, but the event becomes a reminder that things can change at a moment’s notice. Whether you are a daily commuter or a first-time visitor, knowing what is happening and having a backup plan helps you avoid stress. Major lines from London, Stansted, and other key stops have closed; delays are likely, so build that extra time into your journey.
Check the live travel updates provided by Greater Anglia and Network Rail. They share the latest information on when services may resume. If you’re catching a flight or a connecting train, the advice is simple: plan for delays and do what you can to travel outside the busy periods. Although this event is quite upsetting, quick action by the rail teams is already keeping the problem from getting worse. Right now, the best strategies are to stay patient and adjust your travel plans as needed.
