Routes close for Wherry Lines signalling upgrade

Semaphore signalling is being removed from the Wherry Lines (Norwich to Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft), in a project that is closing the branches for almost a month.

Level crossings are also being modernised and six signal boxes closed as Network Rail completes a project that should have been finished last year, but which was delayed due to problems with the equipment installed. As a result, the Reedham-Great Yarmouth route via Berney Arms closed in October 2018 and has yet to reopen.

The level crossings at Brundall, Cantley, Lingwood Chapel Road, Lingwood Station Road, Oulton Broad North and Strumpshaw will be upgraded to full barriers with remote-controlled CCTV. Victoria Road crossing on the East Suffolk Line near Oulton Broad South is also being upgraded.

NR closed the Norwich-Yarmouth line from February 1-16, with buses replacing trains. From February 3-16, the line from Beccles-Lowestoft was also closed with trains starting and terminating at Beccles. From February 3-23, the Norwich-Lowestoft line is shut.

• For the FULL story, read RAIL 898, published on February 12, and available digitally from February 8.