Passengers travelling on the East Suffolk line are advised to plan ahead as essential track renewal and bridge repair work will be taking place from late October until December.
Much of the track in this area is over 100 years old and needs to be replaced to maintain the safe and reliable operation of train services. Old, jointed rail will be replaced with continuously welded rail, helping reduce noise from passing trains and improving passenger comfort.
Additionally, engineers need to make repairs to local rail bridges; one over the River Deben next to Ufford level crossing on Bridge Road, and the other bridge over the River Alde next to the Beversham level crossing on Farnham Road. This work will including strengthening and brickwork repairs to the abutments of the two bridges.
To allow engineers safe access to the track and the bridges, Greater Anglia train services will be replaced by buses between Ipswich and Halesworth on the following dates:
- Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November (nine-day closure).
- Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 November.
- Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 November.
- Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November.
- Saturday 06 and Sunday 07 December.
- Sunday 14 December (between Westerfield and Woodbridge only).
Train services will continue to operate between Halesworth and Lowestoft during this period. These renewals will also help support Sizewell’s transport strategy to transport construction materials by rail in the future. Passengers can check their journeys at nationalrail.co.uk or via the Greater Anglia website and app.
Temporary level crossing closures for track work
To allow the track work to take place safely, level crossings at Melton Station, Jetty Lane, Haywards and Ferry Lane will also need to be temporarily closed at certain times. The busiest of these, Melton Station crossing on the A1152, will be closed on the following dates.
- From 22:00 on Friday 24 October to 06:00 on Wednesday 29 October.
- From 19:00 on Sunday 09 November to 06:00 on Monday 10 November.
- From 20:00 on Friday 05 December to 12:00 (noon) on Saturday 06 December.
Letters have been sent to local residents to set out in more detail when the crossing closures are planned for all four crossings. Signed diversion routes for road users have been agreed with the local Council.
Temporary level crossing closures for River Deben and River Alde bridge repairs
To allow the bridge repairs to take place safety, the Ufford level crossing on Bridge Road and the Beversham level crossing on Farnham Road will be temporarily closed during the following times:
- From 00:01 Saturday 25 October to 05:00 Monday 3 November.
- From 00:01 Saturday 15 November to 04:00 Monday 17 November.
- From 00:01 Saturday 22 November to 04:00 Monday 24 November.
- From 00:01 Saturday 29 November to 04:00 Monday 01 December.
Signed road diversion routes have been agreed with the local Council and will be in place to allow road users to navigate around the crossing closures.
Simon Milburn, Network Rail’s infrastructure director for Anglia, said: “This investment is about securing the future of the East Suffolk line. Replacing the track and repairing the bridges will mean safer, more reliable journeys and less noise for passengers and communities.
“Importantly, it also plays a crucial role in supporting the Sizewell C project by making sure the railway is ready to carry construction materials by rail, helping reduce the impact on local roads. Thank you to passengers and communities for bearing with us while this work is carried out.”
Martin Beable, Greater Anglia’s managing director, added: “The East Suffolk line improvements are essential in significantly improving the long-term safety and reliability of our network for our passengers. Replacing the track will mean reduced noise for local communities and further support Sizewell’s transport strategy
“We would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding while this work is carried out. Passengers are advised to check before they travel and allow more time for their journey.”
Image credit: Network Rail
