Engineers will be renewing over 1700 metres of track between Woodbridge and Westerfield junction over six days to improve passenger journeys and prepare the line to accommodate increased freight traffic.
The work is planned to start late evening on Saturday 10 August and be completed early morning on Saturday 17 August. The work includes renewing rail, sleepers and ballast as part of a wider programme of track renewal along the line, replacing jointed track with continuously welded rail which reduces noise from passing trains and gives passengers a smoother ride.
This work is also a follow up to last year’s work to stabilise a mile long section of embankment which was slipping away and risking important signalling equipment falling down potentially affecting the safe and reliable running of the line.
The track work will affect Greater Anglia train services every day from Sunday 11 August to Friday 16 August when buses will replace trains between Saxmundham and Ipswich. Trains will continue to operate between Lowestoft and Saxmundham.
Lawrence Bowman, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia said: “The East Suffolk line continues to see investment being made to update sections of track, some of which is 100 years old, to support a modern service.
“There is never a good time to close a section of railway but having a longer period to work means we can do so much more with the time and it means a better and reliable railway for our customers. I’d like to thank everyone for your patience while we carry out this important work.”
Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said: “This work is extremely important to help maintain the safe and reliable running of the railway and make it fit for the future.
“A rail replacement service will run while the work takes place and passengers are advised to check before they travel and allow more time for their journey.
“We would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding while this work is carried out.”
Image credit: Network Rail
