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Thursday 31 Oct 2024

Sunshine Coast line weekend engineering works this November

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

Greater Anglia passengers are being encouraged to check their journey plans before travelling on the Sunshine Coast line between Colchester, Clacton-on-Sea, and Walton-on-the-Naze over two consecutive weekends in November.

These works, crucial for maintaining a reliable and safe railway, will involve significant renewals and track maintenance including:

• Rail replacement near Wivenhoe Park level crossing
• Refurbishment works at the Alresford bridge

• Maintenance activities such as tamping and removing track defects to prolong track life
• Upgrading Clacton depot for Greater Anglia with the installation of a new wheel lathe to speed up maintenance and reduce train unit downtime

Greater Anglia passenger services between Colchester, Clacton-on-Sea, and Walton-on-the-Naze will be affected on the following dates:

• Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November
• Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November
• Sunday 1 December (until 09:10)

Rail replacement bus services will be in operation to help passengers complete their journeys. Specifically:

• On 16, 17, 23, and 24 November, buses will replace trains between Clacton-on-Sea, Walton-on-the-Naze and Colchester Town.
• On Sunday 1 December, buses will replace trains between Clacton-on-Sea, Walton-on-the-Naze and Colchester until 09:10.

Mark Walker, Network Rail Anglia route infrastructure engineer, said: “We are committed to providing a reliable railway network. By replacing critical infrastructure and performing preventive maintenance, we will enhance the reliability and longevity of our services. I’d like to thank everyone for their patience during these essential upgrades.”

Martin Beable, Greater Anglia managing director, said: “This package of works is essential to keep the railway running and make it fit for the future.

“The improvements at Clacton depot will have a wealth of benefits. A new wheel lathe will be installed, allowing for faster maintenance and therefore providing an even more reliable service for passengers.

“A rail replacement service will run while Network Rail carry out these projects, and passengers are advised to check before they travel and allow more time for their journey.

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