Passengers on the East Suffolk Line are being warned of upcoming weekend closures throughout March.

The majority of the work is to be undertaken in the Saxmundham area, where Network Rail will replace existing joint rail with continuously welded rails to offer a smoother ride to customers and benefit future freight services to Sizewell C Nuclear power station.

Other works will involve continued strengthening of bridges over the River Deben and the River Alde, and adding new signalling along the East Suffolk Line. Upgrading lineside drainage near Broomheath and relaying the road deck on the level crossings at Brick Kiln, Blackstock, and Melton Sewage crossings will also be undertaken.

These closures are a follow-up to last Autumn’s works, which took place on parts of the line last year.

Rail services will continue to run between Halesworth and Lowestoft, though services between Ipswich and Halesworth will be replaced by buses on Saturday 7th, Sunday 8th, Saturday 14th, Sunday 15th, Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd March.

Regarding level crossing closures, there will be no road access over Brick Kiln crossing from 8 am to 5 pm on Saturday, 7th and Sunday, 8th March.

There will be no road access over Blackstock crossing from 8 am to 5 pm on Saturday, 21st and Sunday, 22nd March.

Road vehicles and pedestrians will be subject to delays at Melton Sewage crossing as one side of the road will remain open while the works are being carried out, from 7 am to 7 pm on Saturday, 7th and Sunday, 8th March.

While the two bridges over the River Deben and the River Alde are being upgraded, the level crossings at Ufford and Beversham will be closed temporarily on the following dates, from midnight on Saturday 7th March until 6 am on Monday 9th March, and from midnight on Saturday 14th March until 6 am on Monday 16th March. Network Rail will be utilising these crossings as they are the closest suitable road access points to both bridges.

Where resurfacing works on level crossings are concerned, division signs will be in place with routes authorised in collaboration with local councils. Residents have already been informed in detail about the works due to be undertaken along the East Suffolk Line this March.

“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

“We would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding while Network Rail carry out this work.

“These projects will help to modernise the railway and ensure it is fit for the future. The works will also help to maintain our high standards of punctuality and reliability.”

Martin Beable, Greater Anglia’s Managing Director