Media centre

Thursday 4 May 2023

Reliability successfully reinforced on Norfolk and Suffolk local rail lines

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

Network Rail has completed a package of works to help keep trains running whatever the weather and improve level crossings for the community.

While the upgrades were being carried out last week, buses replaced trains for five consecutive days between Norwich and Lowestoft.

The package of works on the Wherry Lines included:

• Replacing half a mile of ballast between the Sheringham branch line junction and Brundall station. The ballast, which is the stones that support the track, had been badly affected by a previous flood and the heatwave last summer. This caused issues with the track which meant that trains had to slow down, especially in hot weather. The new ballast will help safeguard the reliability of the track and improve the ride quality for passengers.
• Replacing more than half a mile of 30-year-old, worn-out track at Cantley. Track replacement is essential for minimising faults that can cause delays. The track that was replaced goes through Cantley station itself and carries trains towards Reedham and Lowestoft.
• Installing new, less bumpy approaches at five rural level crossings. This will help keep the crossings safe and easy-to-use, and minimise any risk to the railway.

Follow-up work will mean that buses replace trains on the Norwich-Lowestoft line during the morning of Sunday 21 May.

Mark Walker, Network Rail Anglia route infrastructure engineer, said: “These upgrades will support our ongoing work to keep trains running whatever the weather. In addition, our level crossing improvements will help people to continue using our crossings safely and easily into the future. I’d like to thank both train passengers and local communities for bearing with us through the disruption and I can reassure them that we’ve been making the most of the time to deliver a high-performing railway.”

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said: “This package of engineering work was designed to ensure we keep on providing a high-quality service for customers on the Wherry Lines. These routes are entirely served by new trains and Network Rail’s upgrade work will help us to maintain the excellent punctuality levels currently being delivered and further enhance rail travel for passengers in the region.

“We would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding during these works.”