Level crossings along the East Suffolk line are being upgraded with new technology to significantly improve safety for road users, pedestrians and agricultural traffic, as preparations continue for an expected increase in rail freight linked to the Sizewell C nuclear power station.
The work forms part of the wider Sizewell Rail Programme, which is renewing and enhancing infrastructure on the East Suffolk line to support construction of the new power station. Sizewell C is targeting 60% of all construction materials to be delivered by rail and sea, reducing pressure on local roads and supporting more sustainable logistics.
With more trains forecast to operate on the route in the coming years, a series of level crossing upgrades is being delivered to manage risk and improve reliability. The enhancements vary by location and include miniature stop lights for pedestrians, red light enforcement cameras, improved train detection technology, and in some cases full crossing upgrades with barriers, lights and audible alarms.
Completed crossing safety upgrades
A number of crossings have already been improved along the line:
- Middleton crossing – red light enforcement cameras installed in March 2026
- Ellingers crossing – miniature stop lights installed in January 2026
- Dock Lane, Melton Sewage and Brick Kiln crossings – miniature stop lights installed in March 2026
- Redhouse Farm and Blackstock crossings – miniature stop lights installed in April 2026
In addition, the Uffold private user worked crossing near the River Deben was permanently closed in October 2025, removing the risk entirely at that location.
Further works planned during May 2026 line closure
Additional level crossing upgrades are scheduled at Melton and Bealings during a nine‑day closure of the East Suffolk line at the end of May 2026, enabling teams to complete more complex work safely and efficiently while trains are not running.
Melton level crossing
At Melton station level crossing on the A1152, new train detection technology will be installed to make the operation of the crossing safer and more reliable for all users. This work requires temporary overnight road closures at the following times:
- From 22:00 on Saturday 23 May until 08:00 the next morning
- From 22:00 on Sunday 24 May until 07:00 the next morning
- From 21:00 on Saturday 30 May until 08:00 the next morning
- From 21:00 on Sunday 31 May until 07:00 the next morning
During these periods there will be no vehicular or pedestrian access across the railway. A signed diversion route will be in place via Campsea Ashe level crossing, which is suitable for all road vehicles.
Bealings level crossing
Users of Bealings level crossing, near Little Bealings, will benefit from new miniature stop lights at the pedestrian gates, helping footpath users clearly identify when it is safe to cross the railway.
This work will take place during the rail closure on:
- Saturday 14 March, from 08:00 to 17:00
- Sunday 15 March, from 08:00 to 17:00
During these times, access across the crossing will be managed to maintain safety, and users are advised to allow extra time for their journeys.
Industry comment
Martin Beable, on behalf of Network Rail and Greater Anglia, said:
"The investment to improve the East Suffolk line and its level crossings is helping to provide a safer railway for Suffolk road users and pedestrians in readiness for Sizewell C's main construction phase."
"Closing the railway for an extended period does allow us to do much more work than if we kept to just weekends and nights, and we're using this time to do as much as we can including making crossings safer for everyone.
"Of course this doesn't come without causing some disruption for our customers and I want to thank everyone for their patience while we make these improvements."
Image credit: Network Rail
