Network Rail is encouraging passengers to check before they travel ahead of planned weekend engineering work in March, which will affect services between Norwich and Ipswich, and between Ipswich and Cambridge/Ely.
Engineering work and general maintenance is set to take place on the main line between Norwich and Ipswich and on the regional route between Ipswich and Cambridge/Ely. Network Rail added that the work will help it to maintain the safety and reliability of the railway for all rail users.
The work includes renewing and maintaining track, over head lines and signalling equipment as well as drainage work and carrying out inspections of the infrastructure.
Crews will also be working along the line to check for any vegetation that might pose a risk to railway operations.
Engineering work on the following days will affect Greater Anglia services:
Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 March
Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 March
Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 March
Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 March*
For passengers wishing to travel on these routes, a rail replacement bus service will be available to help complete their journeys between:
Norwich and Ipswich
Ipswich and Cambridge North
Ipswich and Ely
*Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds (23 and 24 March only)
Connecting trains will operate between Cambridge and Cambridge North, and between Ely and Peterborough on the first three weekends. On 23 and 24 March, connecting trains will operate between Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge/Peterborough.
Passengers are encouraged to continue to check journey plans via nationalrail.co.uk or via greateranglia.co.uk in advance and leave extra time if necessary to complete their journey.
Katie Frost, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia said: “It is really important that we are able to access the railway to complete the necessary tasks that keep the railway reliable and safe for all our customers.
“Our engineers will be working out on track to check the infrastructure, track, overhead lines and vegetation and complete planned activities that all helps to keep communities and people connected. Thank you in advance for your patience while we carry out this important work.”
Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said: “This work is extremely important to help maintain the safe and reliable running of the railway and make it fit for the future.
“A rail replacement service will run while the work takes place 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 essential maintenance is carried out.”