The vast majority of the UK rail network in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and East London will be open for business this Christmas.

However, rail passengers are advised to check before they travel as there will be changes to services on a few routes due to engineering works which will affect Greater Anglia and other services.

Over the Christmas period, Network Rail engineers will be carrying out the following engineering works on the railway:

• Continue to replace the overhead wires on the Southend Victoria line in the Wickford area
• Overhead power supply improvements between Stratford and Lea Bridge and between Shenfield and Liverpool Street
• Track maintenance and repair in the Bethnal Green and Stratford area.
• Ongoing improvements to switches and crossings at Colchester.
• Platform extension work at Littleport and Waterbeach between Cambridge and Kings Lynn.

There are no trains running on Christmas Day and only a revised Stansted Express service on Boxing Day.

What did the officials say?

Mark Budden, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said:

“Most of the railway network is open over Christmas, but some routes will be closed for engineering works so we can provide a safe and reliable railway for passengers. For those wishing to travel over the festive period, my advice is to plan ahead and check with their train operator or National Rail Enquiries, for the latest travel information.”

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia Managing Director said:

“We’re pleased that most of our services will be running between Christmas and New Year so that people can travel to visit loved ones, enjoy the sales and a day out. Since the railway tends to be much quieter over this period, Network Rail also use it to carry out essential upgrade work that will help to improve services for passengers.”

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