Major Renewal at Saxmundham Junction

Network Rail is making several improvements along the East Suffolk Line over the next two months which will improve resilience and reliability. A major programme will involve the upgrade of Saxmundham junction for rail freight traffic delivering construction materials to Sizewell.

The renewal of the junction, which sits about half a mile north of Saxmundham station, is an important part of the plan to prepare the Suffolk rail network to support the Sizewell transport strategy of delivering 60% of all materials to site by rail and sea. This will reduce reliance on HGVs, reducing congestion and pollution on local roads.

The junction is where the Leiston branch splits from the East Suffolk Line and is part of the designated rail route for heavy freight services delivering the necessary materials to support the construction of the Sizewell C nuclear power station.

The manually operated junction requires complete modernisation. A powered crossover, allowing trains to switch between the branch line and the East Suffolk Line, will be installed and controlled by an integrated signalling system at Saxmundham signal box. The box sits at Saxmundham station.

The improvements are part of the overall plan to bring the Leiston Branch Line back into use to support the long term construction project of the power station.

At the same time, to take advantage of the closure when trains are not running, engineers will also be working between Westerfield and Halesworth, installing signalling equipment and systems as part of the overall improvement programme along the line. Works will also be undertaken at Bealings crossing to install new future safety equipment.

The majority of the work is planned to take place over nine continuous days in late October and early November.

Improvement Works in October and November

Sunday 4 October

• Buses replace between Lowestoft and Ipswich; Felixstowe and Ipswich.

Saturday 24 October and Sunday 25 October 2026

• Buses replace trains between Lowestoft and Ipswich. Note: A separate shuttle bus will operate for passenger travelling to and from Beccles; these passengers will need to change bus at Halesworth.

Monday 26 October to Sunday 1 November

• Buses replace trains between Halesworth and Ipswich. Trains will operate between Halesworth and Lowestoft.

Friday 13 November through Monday 16 November

• Buses replace trains between Lowestoft and Oulton Broad South. Trains will operate between Oulton Broad South and Ipswich

During these dates, passengers are advised to check before travelling and to leave extra time to complete your journey by visiting www.greateranglia.co.uk/travel-information/service-alterations