Network Rail engineers are set to start five consecutive days of vital work on the line between Norwich and Lowestoft.

The works, which were announced last month, will run from Saturday 22 April until the end of Wednesday 26 April and will help to reinforce reliability. Replacement buses will operate throughout this time.

The Norwich – Great Yarmouth line will also be affected on Saturday 22 April and Sunday 23 April, meaning that buses will replace trains right across the Wherry Lines this coming weekend.

Major work is set to take place on the two lines, including:

• Replacing half a mile of ballast between Brundall station and the Sheringham branch line junction. Last summer’s heatwave and a previous flood bad affected the ballast – the stones that support the track. This has had a knock-on effect on the track, meaning that trains have had to slow down, especially in hot weather. The new ballast will protect the track’s reliability and improve the quality of the ride for passengers.
• Replacing more than half a mile of worn-out track at Cantley. The track needs to be replaced in order to minimise faults that can cause delays.
• Re-surfacing level crossings around Somerleyton. This will make the crossings easier and safer to use for local people, and help to minimise risk to the railway.

Buses will also replace trains on the Norwich-Lowestoft line on Sunday 30 April and during the morning of Sunday 21 May because of follow-up work.

On the Sheringham branch line this Sunday 23 April, engineers will continue upgrading two level crossings, so buses will replace trains between Norwich and Sheringham / Cromer.

Once the project is completed later this year, the crossings will have automatic barriers so that users will not have to phone the signaller to request access. Network Rail is confident that this will help to boost both safety and performance.

Full size bicycles and e-scooters cannot be carried on rail replacement buses.

Great Anglia is advising passengers to check their specific journey before they travel on either its website or the national rail website.

While the work is taking place, level crossing closures will affect pedestrians, cyclists and vehicle users. Network Rail is liaising with local communities about the impact of the closures and putting alternative arrangements in place.

Mark Walker, Network Rail Anglia route infrastructure engineer, said: “This work really needs doing to keep trains running whatever the weather. In addition, we’re improving level crossings so that they continue to be safe and easy to use into the future. I’d like to thank everyone for bearing with us through the disruption and I can reassure them that we’ll be making the most of the time to deliver a high-performing railway.”

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said: “This package of engineering work is designed to ensure we keep on providing a high-quality service for customers on the Bittern and Wherry Lines. These routes are entirely served by new trains and Network Rail’s upgrade work will help us to maintain the excellent punctuality levels currently being delivered and further enhance rail travel for passengers in the region.

“Rail replacement buses will run while the work takes place, so customers can still complete their journey. We would advise people to check before they travel.

“We would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding while these works take place.”