A fault with overhead wires is blocking the line towards Colchester, says Greater Anglia.
Drivers face four miles of congestion, National Highways says.
The hospice says 17 jobs are at risk of redundancy due to "unprecedented" financial pressures.
Roads are being shut between 21:00 BST and 05:00 for repairs and resurfacing.
The Football Association is bringing in the mandatory change for the 2026-27 season.
Station manager Scott Fretton says the occupants did the right thing when they discovered the fire.
Angelo Harrop says the club were not ready for the switch despite pushing for it himself.
Some businesses see councils as vital for infrastructure but some see them just as tax collectors.
A man who has applied for 1,500 jobs in 18 months calls for more support for people out of work.
