Train services between Norwich, Ipswich, Colchester, and London via Marks Tey, Braintree and Ingatestone over Easter will be subject to severe disruption on Easter Sunday, 9th and Easter Monday, 10th April due to essential engineering work.

The engineering work is in connection with:

• Construction activity for a new station at Beaulieu Park in Chelmsford, which will be the first station constructed on the Greater Eastern Main Line in over 100 years. Further information about the new station can be found at https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/anglia/improving-the-railway-in-anglia/beaulieu-station/
• Renewal work of wheel timbers on Feering bridge in Kelvedon;
• Replacement of tracks at Witham to reduce the risk of failures of switches and crossings to improve reliability for rail services.

During the weekend closure, trains will only operate between the following stations:

• Norwich and Marks Tey;
• Clacton/Colchester Town and Colchester;
• Sudbury and Marks Tey;
• Chelmsford and London via Ingatestone.

Rail-replacement bus services will replace trains between Ingatestone and Marks Tey, and between Witham and Braintree. However, full-sized bicycles and e-scooters cannot be carried on rail-replacement buses.

Over the Easter weekend, much of the rail network will be free of engineering work and open for travel. However, some early and late services will be curtailed to allow extended overnight maintenance to take place.

Anyone intending to travel on rail services over Easter should check their plans with their train operator or on nationalrail.co.uk and leave extra time to complete their journey.

There will be further disruption between Marks Tey and Ingatestone over the early and late May bank holidays as engineering work for the new station will continue to affect weekend rail services.

Information about weekend journeys and service alternations can be found at https://www.greateranglia.co.uk/travel-information/service-alterations

Katie Frost Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “This year, most of the network will be available for passengers to enjoy days out by rail throughout the Easter holidays.

“Those planning to travel via Chelmsford, especially on 9/10 April, should check how their journey might be affected. I’d like to thank passengers for their patience while we carry out this important work for the new Beaulieu Park station and general track renewal work at Witham to improve reliability on this busy mainline.”

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia Managing Director, said: “People can visit many great destinations by rail this Easter break.

“Nevertheless, there will still be some maintenance and upgrade schemes taking place. These essential works will help improve rail travel in the region and we would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding while the improvements are being undertaken. Rail replacement buses will operate so customers can complete their journeys. Customers are advised to check before they travel and allow more time for their journeys.”