Media centre

Thursday 3 Feb 2022

Norwich to Lowestoft line expected to reopen this weekend

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

The line between Norwich and Lowestoft is scheduled to reopen on Saturday 5 February, following extensive works to repair the track bed.

On Sunday 30 January 2022 high tides combined with a surge caused by high winds caused part of the original embankment and the ballast, the stones that support the tracks, to be washed away at Haddiscoe on the Norwich to Lowestoft line.

Engineering teams have worked around the clock to rebuild the tracks after the train was removed safely last weekend. Up to 500 tonnes of rock and ballast have been used to reinstate the embankment under the track bed to replace the original material that was washed away. 

There is a further storm warning for Friday night and we will monitor any impacts of this on the work being carried out. Further updates will be provided if this affects the reopening of the line.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Work has progressed well on site and we plan to reopen the line on Saturday morning. We are aware of further adverse weather conditions on Friday night, so we ask that passengers continue to check for updates before planning their journeys.”

A Greater Anglia spokesperson said: “We would like to thank customers for their patience this week while the work has been carried out. Rail replacement buses will continue to run until the line reopens so passengers can complete their journeys.”

Passengers are advised to check alternative travel arrangements at https://www.greateranglia.co.uk/travel-information/service-disruptions/flooding-in-haddiscoe-area-please-do-not-travel-0