Walkers are being warned to stay off a Suffolk railway line, which is set to be used to transport building materials to the site of the new Sizewell C nuclear power station.

The Sizewell branch line, between Saxmundham and Leiston, has not been used for daily passenger services since 1966 and has seen very low levels of rail movements ever since, resulting in some pedestrians venturing onto the tracks.

However, later in 2025, rail infrastructure manager Network Rail is set to carry out engineering works on the line to support the Sizewell C project.

These will include the renewal of four-and-a-half miles of track to replace jointed track with continuously welded rail and the installation of a new signalling system.

Seven level crossings will also be upgraded with new barriers, road traffic lights and monitoring systems.

The works will enable the transportation of 60% of the construction materials needed for the new power station, which will be brought in by rail and sea to reduce carbon emissions and the number of lorries on local roads.

Katherine Scott, sponsor for Network Rail Anglia, said: "It really is very important that people stay off the tracks for their own safety.

"It is not only dangerous, it is illegal.

"While the branch line has not seen much activity over recent years, from January 2025, rail engineers and construction workers will be on site with engineering trains moving up and down the line.

"With help from the Sizewell project and local community representatives, we encourage people to heed the advice and stay safe by sticking to local walking routes and footpaths."

Stephen Keighley, Sizewell C project manager, said: “The railways are central to the construction of Sizewell C.

"To limit the amount of construction traffic on the roads, we’ll be bringing in at least 60% of construction materials by rail or sea.

"In order to do that, we’re making significant improvements to local railway infrastructure, from track replacements to level crossing and signalling upgrades. 

“January will see a step up in our work as we look to upgrade the Sizewell branch line and we’ll be working very closely with Network Rail to raise awareness of the work and ensure people stay off the tracks for their own safety.”