Network Rail are to carry out railway upgrade works starting this weekend on the Harwich branch line.
Rail replacement services will run on Sundays from the 10th of January to the 7th of February.
The work involves replacing over a quarter of a mile of track near Harwich Internation station, the sleepers and 600 tonnes of ballast will also be replaced.
Three level crossings on the branch line will also get surface upgrades at the same time.
Additional work will take place at Wrabness on the embankment. This work is scheduled to be carried out on the 13th and 14th of February.
Ellie Burrows, Network Rail's route director for Anglia, said: “Keeping the tracks in good condition is vital to running a safe and reliable railway for our passengers and freight customers on this line. The work will reduce the number of delays and cancellations caused by track faults and issues, enabling both passengers and goods to arrive on time.”
Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia Managing Director, said: “The new track will help improve punctuality and reliability on our network.”
“Government advice is currently to stay at home, although you can travel with us if you need to for medical appointments, work or other reasons listed in the guidance.”
“We would like to reassure customers who need to travel with us that they can travel with confidence – including on rail replacement buses – as we continue to focus cleaning and sanitisation and making it easier for people to socially distance.”
“Anyone who needs to travel during these engineering works, should check before they travel and allow more time for their journey. Everyone will be able to complete their journey with us, even if part of it is by rail replacement bus.”
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Good to hear about the improvement works on the Harwich branch line. What about adding extra track and overhead wires from Harwich International to Harwich Town with a new platform being added at Dovercourt and at Harwich Town.
Plus what about the Braintree branch line to have a new passing loop at Cressing with new platform. And upgrade works at Wickford and to extend the platforms to allow for the Class 720s to operate the Crouch Valley Line.