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Thursday 19 Mar 2026

Boosting reliability on the mainline through Suffolk and Norfolk this April

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

Network Rail will be carrying out vital upgrades on the line between Ipswich and Norwich on some April weekends, as well as improving three level crossings for both passengers and road users.

The works, which can only be done when trains aren’t running, are aimed at minimising the risk of faults that cause delays. They include:

• Replacing 550 metres of decades-old track between Ipswich and Needham Market, on the line which carries trains in the direction of Norwich from London. This job involves completely replacing the ballast, sleepers and rails.
• Replacing 310 metres of rails between Needham Market and Stowmarket, on the line which carries trains in the direction of London from Norwich. The existing worn-out rails are around 50 years old.
• Improving three level crossings in the area: Mellis, Tivetshall and Hales Street. Engineers will be removing old ballast and enhancing the crossing surfaces to give passengers and road users a smoother ride.
• Carrying out maintenance on points – movable rails that allow trains to switch from one track to another.
• Completing the latest stage of a wider scheme to replace ageing signalling technology between Colchester-Norwich. The components being swapped out are 40-years-old and are being replaced by more reliable, digital parts.

Work will be delivered over the weekends of 11/12 April and 18/19 April, as well as on Sunday 26 April, with buses replacing Greater Anglia train services on these dates. Passengers are advised to check their journey plans before they travel at greateranglia.co.uk

The level crossing improvements will require road closures on certain days, so signposted diversion routes will be in place for Mellis and Tivetshall.

Mark Walker, Network Rail Anglia infrastructure director, said: “This package of upgrades will see brand new track and signalling components going onto the railway, replacing equipment that is up to half a century old. We’re really sorry for the disruption, but this kind of engineering work is essential for maintaining our excellent reliability on this busy and vitally important line.”

Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 April
Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April

Buses replace trains between Norwich and Ipswich as well as between Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds. Trains remain in operation between Ipswich and London, Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge as well as between Bury St Edmunds and Peterborough.

Ipswich Town fans travelling to Carrow Road for the Norwich City game on Saturday 11 April can check their travel options on this Ipswich Town webpage

Sunday 26 April

Buses replace trains between Norwich and Stowmarket all day. Trains remain in operation between Stowmarket and London Liverpool Street.