East Suffolk Line Improvements in Late May

3 April, 2026


Network Rail is continuing its investment in the East Suffolk Line with an extensive nine-day programme of renewals and vital maintenance taking place at the end of May.

The improvements will help to ensure train services continue to run safely and reliably; it’s part of a wider scheme to repair, replace and upgrade old track and signalling equipment that will also support Sizewell C’s transport strategy to move up to 60% of its future construction materials to site by rail and sea.

Engineering work scheduled between Saturday 23 May 2026 to Sunday 31 May 2026

  • Refurbishment of the track and points at Saxmundham Junction to improve track resiliency.
  • Signalling upgrades at Melton station level crossing to improve train detection technology to make crossing safer for pedestrians.
  • Installation of miniature stop lights at Bealings level crossing and improved train detection technology.
  • Timber decking replacement at Beccles station.
  • Installation of new signalling bases and equipment between Saxmundham station and Saxmundham Junction.
  • Track maintenance between Westerfield Junction and Woodbridge.
  • Passengers travelling between Ipswich and Lowestoft are being encouraged to check their journey plans before travelling using nationalrail.co.uk, and to leave extra time to complete their journey.

Specific Level Crossing Improvements

Melton station level crossing (A1152) – The level crossing will be temporarily closed to road traffic at times to complete the signalling improvements which includes improved train detection technology. Network rail is making arrangements to agree diversion routes with the highway authority. Information about these diversions will be issued once this has been agreed.

Bealings level crossing – From the end of May, pedestrians using the level crossing will benefit from new miniature stop lights at the pedestrian gates which will help those using the footpath to know when it is safe to cross the railway.

Travel Information for Passengers

  • Saturday 23 May 2026 to Sunday, 24 May 2026 – Buses replace trains between Lowestoft and Ipswich. Note: A separate shuttle bus will operate for customers travelling to and from Beccles, these customers will need to change bus at Halesworth.
  • Monday 25 May 2026 to Sunday 31 May 2026 – Buses replace trains between Halesworth and Ipswich. Trains will continue to operate between Lowestoft and Halesworth

Martin Beable, on behalf of Network Rail and Greater Anglia said: “The investment to improve the East Suffolk line is helping to provide a more reliable and safer railway for Suffolk passengers and in readiness for Sizewell C’s main construction phase.

“Closing the railway for an extended period does allow us to do much more work than if we kept to just weekends and nights, and we’re using this time to do as much as we can.

“Of course this doesn’t come without causing some disruption for our customers and I want to thank everyone for their patience while we make these improvements.”