Network Rail has stabilised and widened a mile-long embankment on the East Suffolk Line between Ipswich and Lowestoft to the north of Martlesham.

The top of the embankment had been slipping, causing important signalling equipment and signage to gradually fall down the bank, potentially affecting the future safe and reliable running of the line.

The stabilisation work means that worn-out track on top of the embankment can now be replaced. It also allows Network Rail to provide a footpath for railway workers on the embankment, which will give better access for maintenance.

Engineers worked over thirteen consecutive days, from Saturday 25 March to Thursday 6 April, with buses replacing trains between Ipswich and Saxmundham. The track replacement work will be carried out over ten consecutive days between 16-25 August, when buses will replace trains.

Network Rail and Greater Anglia have thanked passengers for their patience while the work was carried out.

Mark Walker, Network Rail Anglia route infrastructure engineer, said: “We’re really sorry that passengers had their journeys disrupted over 13 consecutive days, but we needed extended access to the railway to stabilise this steep, high embankment and avoid sudden disruption or closures. We’ll be back in August to do much-needed track replacement on top of the embankment, which is also crucial to keeping trains on time. We are building an East Suffolk Line that is fit for the future.”

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said: “I’d like to thank passengers for bearing with us during this improvement work, which will help us to continue operating a punctual train service along the East Suffolk Line. Our new trains are already providing a very good service on the route and this engineering work will help ensure we can continue to deliver high standards of performance on a consistent basis and provide a more comfortable journey for passengers.”