Rail passengers are reminded to check before they travel between Norwich and Lowestoft as buses replace trains for nine days starting this weekend while Network Rail improve the track.

Buses will replace trains between Norwich and Lowestoft via Oulton Broad North from Saturday 15 August to Sunday 23 August.

Norwich to Great Yarmouth via Reedham train services will be diverted via Acle and Lingwood. Connecting buses will operate between Lingwood and Reedham via Cantley, and between Lowestoft and Haddiscoe via Somerleyton (Monday-Saturday only).

Network Rail engineers will replace approximately 4km of track in the vicinity of Cantley including through the station, as well as carrying out works to the Station Road level crossing.

The level crossing will be closed from 22:00 on Wednesday 19 August to 05:00 on Monday 24 August and from 23:00 on Friday 28 August to 06:00 on Sunday 30 August to complete the vehicle deck.

Vehicle access across the railway will not be possible when the crossing is closed. Pedestrian access will be maintained and managed throughout the works via the Church Road foot crossing to the north west of the station. Plans are in place to accommodate vehicle access for blue light services in an emergency.

Network Rail is providing a secure parking facility along with a minibus service (following Government guidance on social distancing) to ferry people between the car park and Church Road foot crossing to minimise the inconvenience during the crossing closures.

The works have been planned with the co-operation of the British Sugar factory and public meetings have been held with residents and the Parish Council to explain how the works will be undertaken and to address local concerns about access.

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said: “We realise that any engineering works causes our customers inconvenience, but this work is vital so that we can provide as reliable a service as possible.

“We will ensure that customers are able to complete their journeys – even if part of it is by bus, and that any measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 are followed.”

It is mandatory for customers to wear a face covering at stations and on trains and on rail replacement buses, to help reduce the spread of coronavirus. Children under the age of 11 and people with a disability or illness which means they cannot wear a face covering are exempt from wearing them.

Greater Anglia has launched a “safer travel pledge” outlining the actions it is taking to keep customers safe, and four things passengers can do to help: travelling at quieter times, wearing a face covering, hand washing and checking before you travel.