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Monday 28 Dec 2020

Passengers urged to check before travelling as storm Bella causes Postwick bridge replacement delays

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

Passengers planning to travel between Norwich, Lowestoft and Yarmouth on Tuesday are being urged to check before they travel after a bridge replacement was delayed because of high winds.

The Postwick railway bridge, carrying the line between Norwich, Lowestoft and Yarmouth over Oaks lane, is being replaced by Network Rail as the old structure has come to the end of its life and a full replacement is the only way to maintain the safe running of rail services, avoiding the need for speed restrictions or the closure of the line. The new bridge structure is expected to last at least 120 years.

Sections of the bridge have to be lifted in by crane which can only safely operate when wind speeds are less than 18mph. Over the weekend, Storm Bella saw gusts in excess of 40mph, delaying the lifting operation. 

The delay means the bus replacement service operating over the weekend will need to be extended into Tuesday to allow enough time for the team to complete the bridge replacement work. Train services are currently expected to resume by Tuesday evening.

Ellie Burrow, Network Rail’s Route Director for Anglia, said: “Safety is our priority and for that reason we had to pause some of the work until Storm Bella passed.

“This disruption to our plans means we will be unable to finish the work in time for the start of service on Tuesday. We are doing all we can to finish as quickly and safely as possible, but the bus replacement service will remain in place until trains services can resume. 

“I’m sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and I’d like to thank passengers for their patience as we carry out this vital work to replace the rail bridge at Postwick.”

Passengers can get the latest travel information at www.nationalrail.co.uk or www.greateranglia.co.uk.  

You can also follow us on Twitter @networkrailANG