As announced last year, Network Rail are now reminding rail passengers about the upcoming 23 days of engineering work in the Clacton-on-Sea area,

New computer-based signalling will go live as part of the works, enabling the signals and points to be controlled from Colchester.

The work is taking place between Saturday 20th February and Sunday 14th March, it will include changes to the overhead line equipment and changes to the track layout along with the signals and points.

Rail replacement buses (RRB) will be in operation at times during the works with the following changes expected.

RRB between Clacton-on-Sea/Walton-on-the-Naze and Colchester Town on Saturday 20 and 27 February and 6 and 13 March

RRB between Clacton-on-Sea/Walton-on-the-Naze and Colchester on Sunday 21 and 28 February and 7 and 14 March

During the week Monday to Friday, buses will replace trains between Clacton and Frinton, with trains running between Walton-on-the-Naze and London.

Passengers making essential journeys should plan ahead now using either National Rail enquiries or the Greater Anglia website.

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “Keeping the tracks in good condition is vital to running a safe and reliable railway for our passengers and that is exactly what we’re here to do.”

“I’m sorry for the disruption that 23 days of engineering works will cause for passengers. Completing these large-scale projects and maintenance in one coordinated effort, will help reduce the overall amount of disruption for many years to come.”

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said: “This work is essential for improving the reliability of the Clacton and Walton-on-the-Naze lines. In combination with our brand-new trains, which we will be introducing into passenger service on the route later this year, we and Network Rail are completely modernising rail services in this area.”

“Throughout the works, we will make sure people can complete their journeys, although part of it may be by rail replacement bus. We’d remind people to check before they travel and allow extra time. Updates on the project can be found on social media using #Clacton2021.”

“Current Government advice is to stay at home and only to travel for legally permissible reasons such as for work or medical appointments. Greater Anglia is committed to keeping travellers safe with increased cleaning and sanitisation and measures to make it easier to socially distance. Passengers are reminded it’s compulsory to wear a face covering on our trains, stations and rail replacement buses.”

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