Trains will not run directly between Ipswich and Lowestoft for ten consecutive days in August, as Network Rail engineers replace track on the East Suffolk Line.

Network Rail workers will replace over a mile of track that is over one hundred years old, and will also replace the ballast and sleepers which support the rails.

The track has joints between different sections, which can make journeys noisy and uncomfortable (the familiar ‘clickety-clack’ sound).

The new track is continuously welded, which will enhance the quality of the ride for passengers and will reduce noise.

Engineers will carry out the work between Wednesday 16 August and Friday 25 August.

Buses will replace trains between Ipswich and Saxmundham throughout this period, and will also operate on Sunday 3 September to enable follow-up work to take place.

The track replacement is taking place to the north of Martlesham, where Network Rail stabilised and widened a deteriorating embankment in spring this year.

In August, engineers will finish installing a new walkway along the embankment, which will improve access for railway workers to carry out regular maintenance along this part of the line.

Maintenance work means that buses will replace trains on the Ipswich to Felixstowe line on Sunday 3 September.

Rail replacement buses can not carry full-size bicycles and e-scooters.

Network Rail is advising passengers to check before they travel, using the Greater Anglia or National Rail websites.

Mark Walker, Network Rail Anglia route infrastructure engineer, said: “Having completed our stabilisation works on the Martlesham embankment in the spring, we’re now coming back to finish the job. This is a major track replacement project and we need an extended stretch of access to the railway to get it done. We’re sorry for the disruption that this will cause, but passengers can rest assured that we’ll be making the very most of the time to help deliver an East Suffolk Line that is fit for the future.”

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said: “This improvement work will help us maintain high levels of punctuality and reliability on the East Suffolk Line. With our new trains having raised service standards on this important route, this engineering work will help modernise the rail infrastructure and provide a more comfortable journey for passengers.

“A rail replacement bus service will run while the work takes place, so customers can complete their journeys. We would like to thank customers for their patience while this work is carried out.”