Network Rail has announced a nine-day closure of the east Suffolk line between Ipswich and Lowestoft from Saturday, May 23 to Sunday, May 31 to carry out essential upgrades to track, signalling and nearby infrastructure.
The improvement scheme includes refurbishment of ageing track and points at Saxmundham Junction, a signalling upgrade at Melton station level crossing to enhance train detection, the installation of miniature stop lights and updated technology at Bealings level crossing, and replacement of timber decking at Beccles station.
Martin Beable, speaking on behalf of Network Rail and Greater Anglia, said: “The investment to improve the East Suffolk line is helping to provide a more reliable and safer railway for Suffolk passengers and in readiness for Sizewell C’s main construction phase.
“Closing the railway for an extended period does allow us to do much more work than if we kept to just weekends and nights, and we’re using this time to do as much as we can.
“Of course this doesn’t come without causing some disruption for our customers and I want to thank everyone for their patience while we make these improvements.”
Additional works will take place between Saxmundham station and Saxmundham Junction, alongside track maintenance between Westerfield Junction and Woodbridge.
Network Rail said that the upgrades will also support Sizewell C’s transport strategy, which relies on moving the majority of construction materials by rail and sea.
Passengers are advised to check journey details and allow extra time for travel during the works.
Replacement buses will operate throughout the closure to serve affected stations.
On May 23 and May 24, buses will replace trains for the entire Ipswich to Lowestoft route.
A separate shuttle bus will operate for passengers travelling to and from Beccles, requiring a change at Halesworth.
From May 25 to May 31, replacement bus services will run between Ipswich and Halesworth, with trains continuing to operate between Halesworth and Lowestoft.
The planned upgrades will also affect road users near Melton.
The level crossing on the A1152 will be temporarily closed at times during the closure period for essential signalling improvements.
Network Rail said it is working with highways authorities to agree diversion routes, with further details to be confirmed closer to the time.
Pedestrians using Bealings level crossing will see new safety technology installed.
From late May, miniature stop lights will be fitted at the pedestrian gates, giving clear visual cues to indicate when it is safe to cross.
The East Suffolk line upgrade forms part of a wider investment programme intended to improve reliability.