Stay off tracks warning ahead of Sizewell line work

Despite rarely being used by trains, the Sizewell branch line remains part of the national rail network and walkers are being urged to stay off the tracks when the the line gets busier from January

Walkers have been warned a rarely used railway line will be brought back into regular service to transport materials for a new nuclear power station.

The Sizewell branch line in Suffolk scrapped its daily passenger service in 1966 with some people now using it as a walking route.

Network Rail said the line between Saxmundham and Leiston will get busier from January as preparations start to upgrade it to support the construction of Sizewell C.

Later in 2025 four-and-a-half miles (7.2 kms) of track will be replaced, a new signalling system will be installed and seven level crossings will be improved with new barriers and lights.

The Sizewell branch line has seen very low levels of rail movements, with no daily passenger services since 1966, and a small number of walkers have used the line as a route

Network Rail said walking on the tracks was illegal as well as dangerous and it was urging people to keep to local walking routes and footpaths.

The Sizewell branch is set to get a major renewal as part of the Sizewell C construction project to enable the transporting of freight and materials to support the construction of the new power station.

From January 2025 there will be increased levels of activity along the branch line, including surveyors, engineers and engineering train movements delivering materials and equipment in preparation for upgrade work later in the year.

Katherine Scott, sponsor for Network Rail Anglia said: "It really is very important that people stay off the tracks for their own safety. It is not only dangerous, it is illegal.

"While the branch line has not seen much activity over recent years, from January 2025, rail engineers and construction workers will be on site with engineering trains moving up and down the line.

"With help from the Sizewell project and local community representatives, we encourage people to heed the advice and stay safe by sticking to local walking routes and footpaths."

Stephen Keighley, Sizewell C Project Manager, said: "The railways are central to the construction of Sizewell C. To limit the amount of construction traffic on the roads, we’ll be bringing in at least 60% of construction materials by rail or sea.

"In order to do that, we’re making significant improvements to local railway infrastructure, from track replacements to level crossing and signalling upgrades. In January there will be a step up in our work and we’ll be working very closely with Network Rail to raise awareness and to ensure people stay off the tracks."

The Sizewell branch line remains part of the national rail network and residents and recreational walkers are being urged to stay off the tracks for their own safety