Line to reopen after high tides washed away track bed and ballast

Now that work is complete to repair its track bed, the line between Norwich and Lowestoft will open on Saturday (5 February).

The work was carried out after high tides combined with a surge accelerated by high winds caused part of the embankment and ballast to be washed away at Haddiscoe.

Network Rail says engineering teams have worked around the clock to carry out the work after a train was removed – stopped but not derailed after reaching the impassable point – last weekend.

Up to 500 tonnes of rock and ballast have been used to reinstate the embankment under the track bed to replace the original material that was washed away.

There is a further storm warning for Friday night and Network Rail says it will monitor any impacts of this on the work being carried out. Further updates will be provided if this affects the reopening of the line. A Greater Anglia spokesperson said: “We would like to thank customers for their patience this week while the work has been carried out. Rail replacement buses will continue to run until the line reopens so passengers can complete their journeys.”

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