10.12.12
New services announced for the East Suffolk line
A new hourly service between Ipswich and Lowestoft is being introduced by Greater Anglia, following work to install a passing loop at Beccles.
The £4m scheme was jointly funded by Network Rail and Suffolk County Council and has brought a previously disused platform at Beccles station back into use. As part of a wider £21m project, track and signalling works have also been carried out.
Before this upgrade, train services between Ipswich and Lowestoft ran every two hours. A single track between Halesworth and Oulton Broad meant that trains could not pass each other for more than 16 miles.
Steve Knight, Network Rail general manager, said: “This upgrade will make a real difference to people living in the area and will help to boost the local economy, with a more frequent service for those traveling for leisure or business. The new hourly service between Ipswich and Lowestoft will give a boost to towns on the line and provide a better connection to mainline services.”
Ruud Haket, managing director at Greater Anglia, added: “The introduction of the new hourly service on the East Suffolk line will help in providing a boost to tourism and the local economy, improving the travel opportunities for rail passengers in Suffolk.
“We have worked very closely with Network Rail, Suffolk County Council and other partners in developing the improved services for the benefit of the local community.”
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