Network Rail engineers are to start work to stabilise and widen a mile-long embankment on the Ipswich-Lowestoft line to the north of Martlesham.

The engineers will be working over 13 consecutive days from Saturday 25 March to Thursday 6 April.

The engineering work is needed because the top of the embankment is slipping away. This means that important signalling equipment and signage is gradually falling down the bank, potentially affecting the future safe and reliable running of the line.

There is also currently no walkway for railway workers along the embankment, meaning that access to carry out essential maintenance is severely limited. The widening work will provide enough space for a new walkway.


Finally, the track that carries trains towards Ipswich on this part of the line is due for replacement but this cannot happen until the embankment beneath is stabilised.

Some of the old track was laid around 100 years ago and had joints in between different sections, meaning that passing trains made the unmistakable clickety-clack sound. The new, modern rail is continuously welded, reducing noise for the local community. Engineers have also completely replaced the ballast and sleepers which support the rails.

While the track replacement was taking place, engineers took the opportunity to improve the surfaces on three level crossings around Woodbridge, which were old and uneven. They are now easier and safer to use for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. The main work to improve the surfaces of two further crossings will be carried out on 25 and 26 March.

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. It will help us avoid sudden disruption or closures, and pave the way for more much-needed track replacement."