28.08.14
NR reconsidering engineering work on GEML
Network Rail has said it is reconsidering planned engineering work in Suffolk after last weekend’s works overran, causing major disruptions on the Great Eastern Main Line.
It was the third time this summer engineering work has over-run on the line, and the tenth time since December 2008.
Network Rail said although Norwich to London trains had been running normally since late Monday morning, there were still knock-on effects on Tuesday between Ipswich and Felixstowe; Ipswich and Lowestoft; and Sudbury and Marks Tey.
Steven Cassidy, area director for Network Rail, told the BBC: “We're still carrying out reviews of [last] weekend and looking at the rest of the work to be carried out in Ipswich and the contingencies involved if it doesn't go to plan.
“It's still not acceptable and we are dealing with 30-40 year old equipment and unfortunately we found issues that were unexpected.”
An Abellio Greater Anglia spokesman thanked customers for their patience and understanding while the problem was resolved and added: “We would like to apologise to customers using our Ipswich to Felixstowe route for the suspension of the service.”
Railway lines through Ipswich were due to be closed again on Sunday, 31 August and Sunday, 7 September with buses replacing trains between Manningtree and Stowmarket as well as between Ipswich and Felixstowe and between Ipswich and Woodbridge on the East Suffolk Line.
However, Network Rail area director Andy Boyle has said that work planned for next Sunday will be reviewed. He added: “I am not going to cause carnage on the rail network over this. We will look at all the planned work and how it will be carried out. If we are not totally satisfied that it will be able to be completed on time we will not go ahead at this stage.”
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