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Monday 15 Feb 2021

Essential works planned at Deben bridge to keep East Suffolk Line services running safely and reliably

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

Network Rail will replace wheel timbers on a rail bridge that crosses the River Deben next month (March) to keep services on the East Suffolk Line running safely and reliably.

Wheel timbers are used on bridges to support the track. Over time they wear out and need replacing to keep the track supported to enable the safe running of trains. Replacing these timbers before they deteriorate further will prevent the need for speed restrictions which lead to delays and cancellations.

A total of six timbers (three pairs) will be replaced as part of the work and this cannot be carried out while services are running. A rail replacement bus service will be in place from 6 – 7 March throughout the works.

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “Running a safe and reliable railway is my absolute priority, and this work is essential to prevent delays and cancellations on the East Suffolk Line. I’d like to thanks passengers for their patience while this work takes place.”

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia Managing Director, said: “Due to essential improvement work, a rail replacement bus service will run between Saxmundham and Ipswich all weekend on March 6 and 7.

“Timetables are available on our website and customers should wear a mask while travelling with us, unless they are exempt.

“We would like to thank customers for their patience while this essential work takes place.

“Government advice at the moment is to stay at home and to only travel for essential reasons such as work, medical appointments and other legally permissible reasons. Our Safer Travel pledge highlights everything we are currently doing to help keep customers safe while travelling with us.”

The work affects services between Ipswich and Saxmundham stations and passengers are advised to check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk or with their train operator.