Rail passengers planning to travel on the East Suffolk Line this spring are being urged to check their journeys in advance, ahead of vital engineering work taking place over several weekends in March.

These improvements are designed to create a smoother and more dependable service for passengers travelling in the area.

As part of an ongoing investment in the route, the ageing jointed track near Saxmundham will be replaced with modern, continuously welded rail. This upgrade is expected to cut down noise from passing trains and provide a more comfortable ride. 

Buses will replace trains between Ipswich and Halesworth between 7-8, 14-15, and 21-22 March. Services between Halesworth and Lowestoft will continue.

Some sections of the existing East Suffolk Line rail within the upgrade date back around a century. Renewal will help ensure continued safe and reliable passenger services, as well as supporting future freight traffic linked to the construction of Sizewell C.

Engineers will also complete strengthening work on bridges over the rivers Deben and Alde, install and commission new signalling equipment, resurface the roadway near the Brick Lane level crossing, and improve Broomheath’s drainage to reduce flooding risk.

“We’re carrying out vital upgrades along the East Suffolk Line to make travel safer and smoother for everyone. From station maintenance and bridge repairs to signalling improvements and better drainage, this work strengthens the railway for years to come. We thank passengers and local communities for their understanding while these improvements are underway.”

Mark Walker, Infrastructure Director for Network Rail Anglia.