The Saxmundham rail junction on the East Suffolk line is planned for a major renewal this autumn to improve resilience and reliability in advance of future freight trains delivering construction materials to Sizewell.
The renewal of the Saxmundham rail junction is an important part of the plan to prepare the Suffolk rail network to support the Sizewell transport strategy which aims to deliver 60% of all materials by rail and sea, reducing reliance on HGVs, reducing congestion and pollution on local roads.
This crucial rail junction connects the Leiston branch to the East Suffolk line and is part of the designated rail route for heavy freight services delivering the necessary materials to support the construction of Sizewell C.
The manually operated junction requires complete modernisation, by introducing a powered crossover (to allow trains to switch between the branch line and the East Suffolk line) controlled by an integrated signalling system from Colchester.
These rail improvements are part of the overall plan to bring the Leiston (Sizewell) branch line back into use to support this nationally important long term construction project.
At the same time, to take advantage of the closure when trains are not running, engineers will also be working between Westerfield and Halesworth, installing signalling equipment and systems to as part of the overall improvement programme along the line. Engineers will also be working at Bealings crossing to install new future safety equipment.
The engineering work is planned to take place over nine days from Saturday 24 October until Sunday 1 November 2026, affecting Greater Anglia services as follows:
Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October 2026
Buses replace trains between Lowestoft and Ipswich. A separate shuttle bus will operate for customers travelling to and from Beccles, these customers will need to change bus at Halesworth.
Monday 26 to Sunday 1 November
Trains will operate between Lowestoft and Halesworth, however, buses replace trains between Halesworth and Ipswich.
During these dates, Greater Anglia customers are advised to check before travelling between Ipswich and Lowestoft on these date and to leave extra time to complete your journey by visiting www.greateranglia.co.uk/travel-information/service-alterations
Image credit: Network Rail