Train services on the Sunshine Coast line from Colchester to Clacton-on-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze will be disrupted by engineering works on two weekends later this month (November).

The work will take place on Saturday and Sunday, 16th and 17th, and 23rd and 24th November, and will also affect services until 09:10 on the morning of Sunday, 1st December.

The works are essential to maintain a reliable and safe railway, and will include:

• Maintenance and renewal of track at Wivenhoe Park level crossing and the Alresford bridge.
• Tamping and removing track defects to prolong track life.
• Installation of a new wheel lathe at Clacton depot to expedite maintenance and reduce the time that trains are out of service.

Whilst the engineering work is taking place and train services are disrupted, alternative rail-replacement bus services will be provided.

Customers intending to travel on these weekends can check their journey plans and service alternations on Greater Anglia’s website at www.greateranglia.co.uk or the National Rail website at nationalrail.co.uk.

The Sunshine Coast line is one of the routes to benefit from new Ranger tickets introduced by Greater Anglia in September.

“We are committed to providing a reliable railway network. By replacing critical infrastructure and performing preventive maintenance, we will enhance the reliability and longevity of our services. I’d like to thank everyone for their patience during these essential upgrades.”

Mark Walker, Network Rail Anglia route infrastructure engineer