August Engineering Work to Improve Reliability and Provide a Smoother Ride
More than 1700 metres of track on the East Suffolk Line will be renewed next month to improve passenger journeys and to prepare the line for an increase in freight traffic.
The work will take place between Woodbridge and Westerfield junction over six days and includes renewing rail, sleepers and ballast as part of a wider programme of track renewal along the line; jointed track, which makes the familiar clickety-clack noise when trains pass over it, will be replaced with continuously welded rail; the new rail reduces noise from passing trains and gives passengers a smoother ride; it also reduces wear and tear on the trains wheels.
The work will take place late Saturday night 10 August and be completed in the early morning hours Saturday 17 August and follow on from from last year when a mile long section of embankment was stabilised to prevent important signalling equipment falling down, potentially affecting the safe and reliable running of the line.
Buses Replace Trains Saxmundham to Ipswich
Trains on the East Suffolk Line will be replaced by buses every day from Sunday 11 August to Friday 16 between Saxmundham and Ipswich. Trains will continue to operate between Lowestoft and Saxmundham.
Note: It’s not possible to take bicycles on the replacement buses unless they are folding bikes
Lawrence Bowman, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia said: “The East Suffolk line continues to see investment being made to update sections of track, some of which is 100 years old, to support a modern service.
“There is never a good time to close a section of railway but having a longer period to work means we can do so much more with the time and it means a better and reliable railway for our customers. I’d like to thank everyone for your patience while we carry out this important work.”
Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said:
“This work is extremely important to help maintain the safe and reliable running of the railway and make it fit for the future.
“A rail replacement service will run while the work takes place and passengers are advised to check before they travel and allow more time for their journey.
“We would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding while this work is carried out.”