Some passengers travelling from Ipswich Station may have to use a replacement bus service in the coming months.

Starting in December and continuing into next year, Network Rail will be carrying out "vital" strengthening work on a section of the Ipswich-Lowestoft line.

The work will look to boost reliability for passengers but means that bus replacement services will run on part of the route for several weekends and 13 consecutive days in spring.

According to Network Rail, some of the track being replaced was laid nearly 100 years ago.

Ipswich Star: The current track is said to be nearly 100 years oldThe current track is said to be nearly 100 years old (Image: Network Rail)

While the work is taking place, Network Rail will be improving the surfaces on seven level crossings around Woodbridge, which are currently "old and uneven", making them safer and easier to use for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.

Bus replacement will run between Ipswich and Saxmundham on the following weekends:

Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11

Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18

Saturday, January 7 and Sunday, January 8

Saturday, January 14 and Sunday, January 15

Saturday, January 21 and Sunday, January 22

Saturday, January 28 and Sunday, January 29

Saturday, February 4 and Sunday, February 5

Saturday, February 11 and Sunday, February 12

Work will continue later in the spring, when bus replacement will run between Ipswich and Saxmundham for 13 consecutive days from Saturday, March 25 until Thursday, April 6.

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: "It is hugely important that we replace this old track and strengthen the embankment so that we can safely run trains along the East Suffolk Line for years to come.

"This is a major package of works that will regrettably mean some disruption.

"I’d like to thank Greater Anglia passengers and the local community for bearing with us while we upgrade their railway and drive down delays."

The level crossings that are being upgraded in Woodbridge will be closed during the time period.

Network Rail said it will be working with the local community to minimise the impact of the closures, including installing a temporary accessible footbridge near the station.

People are being encouraged to use the bridge and other alternative routes to visit shops, restaurants and businesses to the east of the railway when level crossings are closed.