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Tuesday 11 Oct 2022

UPDATED: Essential track works to take place on the Clacton-on-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze lines

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

Network rail will replace worn out track on the Clacton-on-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze lines starting this weekend, to improve reliability and to maintain safe and smooth running of services.

The work will begin this weekend (Sunday 16 October) and continue on the following weekends:

• Sunday 16 October
• Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 October
• Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 November
• Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 November
• Sunday 27 November

Track works will also take place on the Harwich branch line on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 November.

Track works like these are essential to prevent issues that cause delays. Just like road surfaces, track wears out from constant use, even more so on busy main lines. The track is regularly inspected and maintained to keep it in good working order, but eventually a full replacement is required.

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “We are always working to drive down delays for our passengers. Replacing worn out track on the Clacton-on-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze branch lines will prevent delays caused by track issues and boost reliability for passengers using these lines.”

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia Managing Director, said: “This improvement work will help make services more punctual along the Clacton-on-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze lines. Our new trains are running on these routes and this engineering work will help provide a more reliable service.

“A rail replacement bus service will run while the work takes place, so customers can complete their journeys.

“We would like to thank customers for their patience while this work is carried out.”

Full size bicycles and e-scooters cannot be carried on rail replacement buses.

Passengers should check before the travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk or with their train operator.