Residents and businesses in Woodbridge and Melton are being reminded to plan ahead as weekend level crossing closures continue on the East Suffolk line for planned engineering work throughout November and early December. The closures follow a successful nine-day programme of works completed between 25 October and 2 November.

During the initial closure, a large section of old jointed rail was replaced with continuously welded rail. The upgrade helps reduce noise from passing trains and improves comfort for passengers travelling along the route.

The follow-up work now underway includes stressing, welding, and tamping of the newly laid rail to ensure it beds in properly, providing a smoother and more reliable journey for passengers. Level crossing closures will continue over weekends to allow this work to be safely completed.

Simon Milburn, Network Rail’s infrastructure director for Anglia, said: “This investment is about securing the future of the East Suffolk line and we have made great progress so far during the work in October. We're now continuing with the follow up work to make sure the track is bedded in which will mean safer, more reliable journeys and less noise for passengers and communities. Thank you to passengers and communities for continuing to bear with us while this work is carried out.”

During the planned engineering work, level crossings including Melton Station, Jetty Lane, Haywards and Ferry Lane will need to be temporarily closed to allow this work to continue. 

 The busiest of these crossings at Melton Station on the A1152, will be closed on the following dates. 

• From 1900 on Sunday 09 November through to 0600 on Monday 10 November (11 hours)

• From 2000 on Friday 05 December through to 1800 on Saturday 06 December (22 hours)

A signed diversion route for road users will be in place while the crossing is closed. 

Haywards level crossing  and Ferry Lane level crossing will be closed (but with permitted access to pedestrians and vehicles) at the following times

• from 2200 on Saturday 8 November through to 0900 on Sunday 9 November (11 hours)

• from 2200 on Friday 5 December through to 0900 on Sunday 7 December (35 hours)

Letters have been sent to local residents and businesses to set out in more detail when the crossing closures are planned. 

Rail passenger information during East Suffolk line weekend closures

To allow engineers safe access to the new track, Greater Anglia train services will be replaced by buses between Ipswich and Halesworth on the following dates:

• Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 November

• Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 November

• Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November

• Saturday 06 and Sunday 07 December

• Sunday 14 December (between Westerfield and Woodbridge only) 

Train services will continue to operate between Halesworth and Lowestoft during this period. These renewals will also help support Sizewell’s transport strategy to transport construction materials by rail in the future. Passengers can check their journeys at nationalrail.co.uk or via the Greater Anglia website and app.

Image: Network Rail