Next week, train services between Norwich and Lowestoft will be subject to disruption when Network Rail carries out work on Reedham, Somerleyton, and Oulton Broad swing bridges.
The bridges are over 100 years old and their internal parts have become unreliable. These will be replaced during the closure, making the bridges more reliable and reducing the need for costly maintenance.
From Saturday, 22nd October to Sunday, 30th October, Network Rail will be upgrading electrical and mechanical systems inside Reedham and Somerleyton swing bridges, which will require the closure of the railway, with buses replacing trains between Norwich and Lowestoft.
On Saturday, 22nd October and Sunday, 23rd October, work will also take place on Oulton Broad swing bridge, with buses replacing trains between Halesworth and Lowestoft.
Further work on the three swing bridges will take place next spring 2023, and the dates of that work will be advised nearer the time.
On Saturday, 29th and Sunday, 30th October, because of other engineering work, train services between Norwich and Great Yarmouth and Norwich, Cromer and Sheringham will be disrupted with buses replacing trains.
Passengers should note that full-size bicycles and e-scooters cannot be carried on rail replacement buses.
Anyone intending to travel during the periods of closure should check on www.greateranglia.co.uk and www.nationalrailenquiries.co.uk
While the work takes place there will be limited river access for boats. However, the bridges will be opened for short periods during the closures, and these times are being communicated by the Broads Authority directly to boat users.
Ellie Burrows, Network Rail's route director for Anglia, said: “These bridges on the Wherry and East Suffolk lines are an important part of our railway heritage and also critical pieces of infrastructure that keep both rail and boat traffic moving. Renewing the components will reduce the risk of mechanical problems and help keep services running safely, smoothly and reliably for our passengers, as well as maintaining access to the ports and marinas.”
Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said: “Our new trains have already improved reliability on our Norwich and Ipswich to Lowestoft lines and this work will make it even better, which I know our customers will welcome. While the work is going on we will make sure customers can still complete their journeys with a rail replacement bus service.”
Rob Rogers, Broads Authority Director of Operations, said: “This much-needed investment by Network Rail into the Broads' swing bridges is very much welcomed by the Broads Authority and our boating communities.
“It has been a challenging few years for our river users regarding the bridges and we are delighted to hear that work is progressing to allow them to reliably open for river traffic.
“We urge the boating community to note the periods of closure above and to check our website as the works progress for any navigation updates.”
