Network Rail’s planned closure of the level crossing at Melton near Woodbridge in Suffolk from 8 pm on Friday, 5th to 6 pm on Saturday, 6th December has been extended to 8 am on Sunday, 7th December.

The extended closure is a result of feedback from local stakeholders and residents about the surface of the level crossing. After visiting the site, engineers identified areas needing further improvements, including making changes to the newly-installed drainage and the road surface levels. The aim of the changes is to provide a smoother and more durable crossing.

Because of the length of the diversion, the extended closure, particularly for local businesses, may cause inconvenience, for which Network Rail issues its apologies.

The diversionary route is the same as for previous closures, and a map and directions can be found online here.

Throughout the period of closure, Network Rail will deploy traffic management and signs at the appropriate locations.

As well as Melton level crossing being closed this weekend, Haywards and Ferry Lane level crossings in East Suffolk will also be closed from 10 p.m. on Friday, 5th to 9 a.m. on Sunday, 7th December.

“The completion of the track works at Melton will bring more reliable journeys to the East Suffolk line. I understand though that this extended closure will be a further disruption to the road network and I’m sorry for this. By addressing these issues now, we can avoid future disruption and enable residents to have an improved road and railway as quickly as possible.”

Simon Milburn, infrastructure director for Network Rail Anglia