Buses replace trains on East Suffolk line for two weeks

Buses will replace trains on that part of the line - meaning journeys between Suffolk's two largest towns will take longer.

The line will be closed from March 25 until April 6 to enable the embankment south of Woodbridge to be strengthened.

Network Rail will also use the closure to replace some track to ensure passengers have a smoother ride in the future.

Buses will leave from the front of Saxmundham station and as a result, customers will not be able to park at the station for the entire period of the works.

Network Rail is stabilising and widening a mile-long embankment to the north of Martlesham. The work is needed because the top of the embankment is slipping away, potentially affecting the future safe and reliable running of the line.

The rail line south of Woodbridge will be strengthened by the Network Rail work. (Image: Paul Geater)

Mark Walker, Network Rail Anglia route infrastructure engineer, said: “I want to thank everyone for their patience during the recent weekend closures, and I’m sorry that passengers will now face an extended stretch of bus replacement.

"However, the major work on this steep, high embankment is a vital part of making the East Suffolk Line fit for the future.”

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said: “This improvement work will help make trains even more punctual along the East Suffolk Line.

“A rail replacement bus service will run between Ipswich and Saxmundham while the work takes place, so customers can complete their journeys.

"We would advise everyone to check before they travel and allow more time for their journey. We would like to thank customers for their patience while this work is carried out.”

Full size bicycles and e-scooters cannot be carried on rail replacement buses. Services on the Ipswich to Felixstowe line are unaffected.