During the next two months, there will be disruptions to services on the Greater Anglia lines from Norwich to Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth, and Sheringham as preparations are being made for works to be carried out later this spring that will help to reduce delays on those lines.
Between Saturday, 22nd and Wednesday, 26th April there will be no trains between Norwich and Lowestoft, with rail-replacement buses running instead.
On Saturday, 22nd and Sunday, 23rd April, there will be no services on the Norwich to Great Yarmouth line with rail-replacement buses replacing trains across all of the Wherry Lines.
Passengers should note that full-size bicycles and e-scooters cannot be carried on rail-replacement buses.
The work to be carried out on the lines includes:
- Replacing half a mile of ballast between the Sheringham branch line junction and Brundall station. A previous flood and last summer's heatwave has caused issues with the track which requires trains to slow down, especially where the ballast has been badly affected by hot weather. The new ballast will ensure the reliability of the track and improve ride quality for passengers.
- Replacing more than half a mile of worn-out track at Cantley to reduce the likelihood of delays.
Resurfacing level crossings around Somerleyton to make them easier and safer to use and help to minimise danger to trains. - On part of the Norwich-Lowestoft line, follow-up work will take place on Sunday, 30th April and the morning of Sunday, 21st May, when rail-replacement buses will again replace trains.
- On the Sheringham branch line, automatic barriers are being installed at two level crossings to remove the need for users having to phone the signaller to request access. There will be no trains on Sunday, 16th and Sunday, 23rd April, with rail-replacement buses between Sheringham / Cromer and Norwich on both days.
On all three branch lines, closures of the level crossings will affect vehicle users, pedestrians, and cyclists, and Network Rail is liaising with local communities about the effect of the closures and for implementing alternative arrangements.
Anyone intending to travel during the period of work should check before they travel at www.greateranglia.co.uk or www.nationalrail.co.uk
Mark Walker, Network Rail Anglia route infrastructure engineer, said: “This work really needs doing to keep trains running whatever the weather. In addition, our level crossing improvements will help people to continue using our crossings safely and easily into the future. I'd like to thank everyone for bearing with us through the disruption and I can reassure them that we'll be making the most of the time to deliver a high-performing railway.”
Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said: “This package of engineering work is designed to ensure we keep on providing a high-quality service for customers on the Bittern and Wherry Lines. These routes are entirely served by new trains and Network Rail's upgrade work will help us to maintain the excellent punctuality levels currently being delivered and further enhance rail travel for passengers in the region.
“Rail replacement buses will run while the work takes place, so customers can still complete their journey. We would advise people to check before they travel.
“We would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding while these works take place.”
The picture of the Class 170 in “One” Railway is old. Could of taken a proper picture of the Class 755 at Lowestoft.