Great Eastern Main Line Passengers Warned of Disruption During Signalling Works

Rail users on the Great Eastern Main Line are being encouraged to plan their journeys carefully later this month as engineering work in Suffolk is set to disrupt services.

On Sunday 22 February, Network Rail will be carrying out signalling work between Ipswich and Diss, prompting warnings to Greater Anglia passengers to check travel details in advance. While the work is underway, trains will continue to operate between Norwich and Diss, Ipswich and London, Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge, and between Bury St Edmunds and Peterborough.

To maintain connectivity across the affected area, rail replacement bus services will operate between Diss and Ipswich, as well as between Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich. Passengers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys and to confirm arrangements before travelling.

The disruption is linked to ongoing upgrades at the Norwich end of the Great Eastern Main Line, where Network Rail is replacing signalling equipment that is more than 40 years old. The work involves renewing components used to monitor train positions and manage the safe movement of services along the route.

According to Network Rail, the new digital technology will offer improved reliability and is designed to be compatible with future signalling enhancements, helping to ensure the line can support further modernisation in the years ahead.

Martin Beable, Greater Anglia Managing Director, said:

“Network Rail’s engineering work will help to modernise the railway and maintain punctuality and reliability. Customers are advised to plan ahead, allow more time for their journey and check before they travel. We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused and would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding while Network Rail carries out this work.”

Katie Frost, Network Rail Anglia Route Director, said:

“We’ll be making the most of the time when trains aren’t running to replace ageing signalling technology. Engineers will be removing old analogue components and installing new digital versions, minimising delays in the here and now, while helping to make this part of the railway fit for the future. Thank you for bearing with us while we get the job done.”

Image: Greater Anglia