Melton and Ufford rail crossings closure

Press Release by Melton and Ufford Parish Councils and Woodbridge Town Council.

Melton and Ufford Rail Crossings both closed in late October.

Network Rail recently announced a series of level crossing closures on the East Suffolk Line at Melton Station and in Woodbridge, to allow major upgrades to track and level crossing infrastructure, including the replacement of railway tracks at Woodbridge, some of which were laid almost a 100 years ago, with quieter running tracks. In parallel, they are strengthening and upgrading two railway bridges close to Ufford level crossing, which necessitates a full closure there. The Melton and Ufford level crossings closures overlap during late October and will also coincide with the local half-term holidays to minimise disruption to the school bus services.

The dates now confirmed are:

 - Melton Level Crossing – 22.00 on Friday 24th October to 06:00 hrs on Wednesday 29th October

 - Ufford Level Crossing – 00.01 hrs on Saturday 25th October to 06.10 on Monday 3rd November

We are informed by Network Rail that there will be access for emergency vehicles only across both level crossings but that there will be no access for any vehicles or pedestrians during these closures. Work will be carried out 24/7, to ensure it is completed as swiftly as possible. All traffic on the Deben Peninsula and from villages such as Bromeswell, Eyke, Rendlesham and Tunstall, will be diverted via the A1152 through Tunstall and the B1078 via Campsea Ashe and onto the A12, to reach Woodbridge and beyond, for the week-end of 24th October and into the following week. Woodbridge level crossings will also be closed periodically, whilst these works take place.

Details of the Network Rail Press Release can be found at:

https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/nine-day-closure-of-the-east-suffolk-line-for-major-track-renewals

Details of diversion routes and timings are shown on: https://one.network/

Melton and Ufford Parish Councils and Woodbridge Town Council, supported by County and District Councillors, have requested that signage is placed on the A12 and the A1152 well ahead of the Melton level crossing, clearly showing the diversion routes. This will discourage cars, light goods vehicles and HGV’s from attempting to enter the areas close to the level crossing.

We would strongly recommend you avoid travelling if at all possible and plan well ahead for essential journeys, especially during the 4 day closure of the busy Melton level crossing.

Network Rail have a weblink for queries, updates and feedback:-
https://www.networkrail.co.uk/communities/contact-us/

There will be further overnight closures during November and December; all closures and diversion routes are shown on https://one.network/