Media centre

Tuesday 11 May 2021

Network Rail to carry out essential track works across the north of the Anglia region

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

Network Rail will carry out essential track works in the Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire areas during weekends in May and June to keep rail services running safely and reliably for passengers across the region.

Work will take place on the Great Eastern Main Line between Norwich and Ipswich and includes:

• Renewal of nearly half a mile of track just north of Trowse swing bridge
• Renewal of one mile of rail at Tharston
• Renewal of track, sleepers and ballast at Wassicks level crossing just north of Haughley junction.

Track gets worn from constant use by trains every day, even more so on busy main lines. Engineers carry out inspections and repairs but eventually the tracks need to be replaced to avoid faults that cause delays and cancellations.

The work will take place over the following weekends:

• Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 May
• Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 May
• Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 June
• Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 June
• Sunday 27 June

Work will also take place to replace wheel timbers on the line between Ely and Norwich and at Manea on the line between Ely and Peterborough. Wheel timbers are used to hold the track in place. Over time they deteriorate and need replacing to avoid speed restrictions that cause delays. This will take place on the following weekends:

• Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 May
• Sunday 30 May
• Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 June
• Sunday 20 June

On Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 May resignalling work will also take place on the Wherry Lines between Norwich, Lowestoft and Yarmouth and maintenance work will take place at Oulton Broad swing bridge.

Passengers are advised to check before they travel and follow all the latest advice regarding Covid-19.

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “Track wears out faster on the busy main lines and that’s why we carry out a regular programme of replacement across the network. Renewing the tracks helps to prevent faults that lead to speed restrictions and cancellations, meaning our passengers can get to where they need to be without delays.

“I’d like to thank passengers for their patience while we carry out this work.”

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia Managing Director, said: “This track work will help to improve punctuality and performance along these busy parts of our network.

“We will be running a rail replacement bus service while the work takes place, so customers will be able to complete their journeys. Passengers should check before they travel, allow more time for their journey and wear a face covering when travelling by train or rail replacement bus and at our stations. Greater Anglia has several measures in place to keep customers safe, from regular cleaning and sanitisation of trains and stations, to high levels of face covering compliance.

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