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Monday 2 Dec 2024

Locals urged to stay off tracks as Sizewell branch line work set to begin in the new year

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

As preparatory work of the Sizewell branch line is set to begin from January 2025, Network Rail is urging leisure walkers to stay off the tracks for their own safety. 

The Sizewell branch line between Saxmundham and Leiston is set to get a major renewal as part of the Sizewell C construction project to enable the transporting of freight and materials to support the construction of the new power station.

From January 2025, preparatory works for the enhancements and renewals are planned to start. Local communities will see increased levels of activity along the branch line, including surveyors, engineers and engineering train movements delivering materials and equipment in preparation for upgrade work later in the year. 

The Sizewell branch line, over recent years, has seen very low levels of rail movements, and with no daily passenger services since 1966, a small number of recreational users have been using the line as a walking route. Despite infrequent use, the branch line remains part of the national rail network and local residents and recreational walkers are being urged to stay off the tracks for their own safety.

We’re working with the local community leaders to raise awareness of the upcoming works activity on the branch line and the planned intensification of use to support the construction project by encouraging people to stay off the tracks.

Later in 2025 major engineering work will begin on the branch line including:

• Renewal of 4.5 miles of track; replacing jointed track with continuously welded rail
• Installation of a new signalling system
• Upgrade of seven level crossings with new barriers, road traffic lights and monitoring systems

These enhancements and renewals being delivered by Network Rail and Sizewell, will facilitate the transportation of up to 60% of the construction materials required for the new power station. These materials will be transported by rail and sea, reducing the carbon footprint and the number of HGVs on local roads. 

Katherine Scott, sponsor for Network Rail Anglia said: ‘It really is very important that people stay off the tracks for their own safety. It is not only dangerous, it is illegal.

‘While the branch line has not seen much activity over recent years, from January 2025, rail engineers and construction workers will be on site with engineering trains moving up and down the line.

‘With help from the Sizewell project and local community representatives, we encourage people to heed the advice and stay safe by sticking to local walking routes and footpaths.' 

Stephen Keighley, Sizewell C Project Manager, said: “The railways are central to the construction of Sizewell C. To limit the amount of construction traffic on the roads, we’ll be bringing in at least 60% of construction materials by rail or sea. In order to do that, we’re making significant improvements to local railway infrastructure, from track replacements to level crossing and signalling upgrades. 

“January will see a step up in our work as we look to upgrade the Sizewell Branch Line and we’ll be working very closely with Network to raise awareness of the work and ensure people stay off the tracks for their own safety.”