Media centre

Monday 24 Feb 2020

Wherry lines fully re-open following completion of 23 days of engineering works

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

The line between Norwich and Lowestoft re-opened today following the completion of track works in the Hassingham area to improve journey reliability for passengers.

The line also re-opened with a fully modernised signalling system which has been switched over from the old mechanical semaphore method to a computer-controlled system. This included upgrades to level crossings at Cantley, Strumpshaw and Oulton Broad North.   

Additionally, passenger services have re-started on the line between Reedham and Yarmouth serving Berney Arms after an 18-month closure as part of the re-signalling programme.

Last week the Norwich to Yarmouth line reopened using the new signalling system together with a section of the East Suffolk line between Beccles and Lowestoft. 

The return of passenger services to these lines completes the 23-day engineering works which began on 1 February and also sees the completion of over four years of planning and delivery of a modern signalling system to improve reliability for passengers.

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia said: "The completion of works over the last 23 days is a significant achievement for everyone delivering the re-signalling and track renewals programme."

"I am delighted that Greater Anglia passengers and level crossing users will be able to benefit from better reliability for the next chapter in the history of the Wherry lines."

"Thank you to everyone, passengers and communities, who have helped and supported our teams to complete this work.”

Scott Kelley, a Director at engineering consultancy Atkins, said: “This is a pioneering project which has seen us working alongside Network Rail and our supply chain partners to complete the biggest ever deployment of a new cutting-edge signalling system that will help transform rail travel right across the region.”

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia’s Managing Director, said: “This major upgrade will provide huge benefits to those who travel on the line. We are pleased that Wherry Line users will now be able to benefit from some of the newest trains and signalling equipment in the country."

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