Engineers will begin renewing a 2200 metre section of a Suffolk line for three weekends starting from the end of the month.

As part of a wider programme of track renewal along the East Suffolk line, engineering works will be taking place between Westerfield and Saxmundham. 

More than 3,400 concrete sleepers and 7,000 tonnes of ballast will be replaced alongside 4.5km of old rails.

Network Rail says the improvements will allow passengers to have a much smoother journey and reduce the amount of maintenance required. 

The line will also serve future freight traffic delivering materials to the Sizewell C project. 

Works will take place on Saturday, November 30, and Sunday, December 1, Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8, before completion on Sunday, December 15.

Mark Walker, Network Rail’s route infrastructure engineer for Anglia, said: “We’re continuing our work to replace the old jointed-track on the East Suffolk line with new rail, that will benefit passengers and our freight customers.

“Of course, doing this work safely means we have to close a section of the line for a few weekends to remove the old track and deliver the materials required to complete the job. I want to thank everyone for their patience while we carry out this important work.”

On these dates, buses will replace trains between Ipswich and Saxmundham to allow passengers to continue their weekend journey. 

Trains will continue to operate between Lowestoft and Saxmundham. 

Martin Beable, Greater Anglia managing director, said: "This engineering work is essential to keep the railway running 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.”