Media centre

Wednesday 18 Nov 2020

Somerleyton track renewal to improve reliability of services between Norwich and Lowestoft

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

Network Rail will replace track at Somerleyton over two weekends starting at the end of this month (November) to improve reliability of services between Norwich and Lowestoft.

Engineers will replace one mile of track, 2420 concrete sleepers and 6240 tonnes of ballast, the stones that form the track bed. New decks, where the road and the tracks cross, will be installed at two user worked crossings along with handrails and fencing.

Just like road surfaces, track gets worn from constant use. Network Rail’s engineers carry out inspections and repairs regularly, but over time the track becomes so worn that a full replacement is the only option to avoid speed restrictions that cause delays and cancellations.

The work will take place on Saturday 28 – Sunday 29 November and Saturday 5 - Sunday 6 December with follow-up works on Sunday 13 December. Replacement services will run between Norwich and Lowestoft and passengers are advised to check before they travel.

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “We’re carrying out this work to keep services running safely, smoothly and reliably. The work will reduce the number of delays and cancellations caused by track faults at Somerleyton, benefitting passengers traveling between Norwich and Lowestoft.”

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia Manging Director, said: “This work will help to improve punctuality and performance along this vital part of the line.

“We will be running a rail replacement bus service while the work takes place so customers will be able to complete their journeys. Passengers should check before they travel, allow more time for their journey and wear a face covering when travelling by train or rail replacement bus.

“We would like to thank customers for their patience while this work takes places.”