Throughout April, Network Rail will be working across some weekends between Ipswich and Norwich.

They will be carrying out crucial upgrades and improving some level crossings, which can only be done when trains aren’t running.

This means that buses will replace trains on:

• 11th/12th April
• 18th/19th April
• Sunday 26th April,

For example, they will replace 550 metres of track, sleepers and ballast between Ipswich and Needham Market, 310 metres of track between Needham Market and Stowmarket, and carry out maintenance on points.

Level crossings at Mellis, Tivetshall and Hales Street will have ballast replaced, and crossing surfaces will be improved. Road closures will be in place, with diversions signposted during the work at Mellis and Tivetshall.

Ageing signalling will also be replaced with digital equivalent parts between Colchester and Norwich.

Passengers are advised to check online before they travel.

“This package of upgrades will see brand new track and signalling components going onto the railway, replacing equipment that is up to half a century old. We’re really sorry for the disruption, but this kind of engineering work is essential for maintaining our excellent reliability on this busy and vitally important line.”

Mark Walker, Network Rail Anglia infrastructure director