Buses to replace trains during junction upgrade

There will be replacement bus services for some rail passengers while work on a junction to help with the construction of Sizewell C takes place.

The building of the nuclear power station on the Suffolk coast has not started, but preparations for the project have begun.

The work on the Saxmundham rail junction on the East Suffolk line is planned for nine days, beginning on Saturday.

Network Rail said it was an important part of a plan to support Sizewell's transport strategy of 60% of all materials being delivered by rail and sea, "reducing reliance on HGVs, [and] reducing congestion and pollution on local roads".

The rail junction connects the Leiston branch line to the East Suffolk line and is part of the designated rail route for heavy freight services to Sizewell C.

Engineers will also be working between Westerfield and Halesworth, installing signalling equipment and systems, and safety equipment would be put in at Bealings level crossing, near Woodbridge.

Rail services between Lowestoft and Ipswich on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October will be replaced by buses.

A separate shuttle bus will operate for passengers travelling between those stations and Beccles, with a change at Halesworth.

Between Monday 26 October and Sunday 1 November, trains will operate between Lowestoft and Halesworth but buses will replace trains between Halesworth and Ipswich.

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