Network Rail works between Woodbridge and Westerfield

Engineers will be renewing more than 1,700 metres of track between Woodbridge and Westerfield, north of Ipswich, over six days as part of a wider programme of track renewal along the line.

The work is planned to begin late on Saturday, August 10 and is due to be finished by the early morning of Saturday, August 17.

Last year, improvements were made to stabilise a mile long section of embankment which could have become dangerous.

Rail replacement buses are being put on between Saxmundham and Ipswich during the works and trains will continue to operate between Lowestoft and Saxmundham.

Improvements are taking place to "improve passenger journeys" and "prepare the line to accommodate increased freight traffic", Network Rail has said.

By renewing the rail and the sleepers, Network Rail says it will reduce the noise from passing trains and give passengers a smoother ride.

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.

Jamie Burles, of Greater Anglia (Image: Greater Anglia)

“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."

Lawrence Bowman, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “The East Suffolk line continues to see investment being made to update sections of track, some of which is 100 years old, to support a modern service.

“There is never a good time to close a section of railway but having a longer period to work means we can do so much more with the time and it means a better and reliable railway for our customers. I’d like to thank everyone for your patience while we carry out this important work.”