Train disruption expected due to maintenance work

Track replacements and bridge repairs are due to undergo maintenance near Woodbridge in Suffolk

Train passengers in Suffolk have been warned of disruption due to essential track replacements and bridge repairs.

Network Rail said lines between Westerfield and Halesworth would be closed for nine consecutive days starting on Saturday, with further work in the area continuing on various dates until December.

Simon Milburn, Network Rail's infrastructure director for East Anglia, said the work would mean "safer, more reliable journeys and less noise for passengers and communities".

Passengers and road users have been advised to check before they travel.

Network Rail said most of the tracks were 100 years old and needed to be replaced.

Greater Anglia trains would be replaced with buses between Ipswich and Halesworth on the following days:

• 25 October to 2 November (nine-day closure)

• 15 and 16 November

• 22 and 23 November

• 29 and 30 November

• 6 and 7 December

• 14 December (between Westerfield and Woodbridge only)

Train services would continue to operate between Halesworth and Lowestoft.

Rails are due be replaced with continuously welded rail, to help reduce noise from passing trains

Work is also due to take place on rail bridges, including near Ufford level crossing and Beversham crossing.

Network Rail said the crossings would be temporarily closed during the following times:

• 25 October through to 05:00 on 3 November

• 15 November through to 04:00 on 17 November

• 22 November through to 04:00 on 24 November

• 29 November through to 04:00 on 1 December

Mr Milburn said the work also played a "crucial role" in supporting the Sizewell C project, "by making sure the railway is ready to carry construction materials by rail, helping reduce the impact on local roads".

Level crossings at Melton Station, Jetty Lane, Haywards and Ferry Lane would also be temporarily closed for work on its tracks.

Melton Station crossing, on the A1152, was expected to close on the following dates:

• 24 October, from 22:00 through to 06:00 on 29 October

• 9 November, from 19:00 through to 06:00 on 10 November

• 5 December, from 20:00 through to 18:00 on 6 December

Network Rail said it had sent letters to residents on planned closures for all four crossings, and was working with the local council on diversions for road users.