Network Rail is replacing Victorian signalling equipment in the Clacton-on-Sea area with a brand-new modern signalling system. Some preparatory engineering works have already taken place at weekends, and more are planned. An intensive 23-day block of works is planned for Saturday 20 February to Sunday 14 March 2021, during which some of the Clacton/Walton to Colchester route will be operated by rail replacement buses. There will be further weekend work before and after these dates too.
Why are they doing this?
The current signalling system uses mechanical levers and pullies to change signal and track points to allow trains to switch between tracks. These are being replaced with a modern computer-based signalling system which will improve safety and reliability on the line, reducing faults which cause delays.
With Network Rail’s new signalling system and Greater Anglia’s new state-of-the-art trains, together we’re transforming the railway in the Clacton area.
More details about how the new signalling system will operate and information about how Network Rail engineers will install the new system are available on the Network Rail website.
How will it affect my journey?
You will still be able to travel for all the time that the work is going on – but part of your journey may be by rail replacement bus. There are different rail replacement arrangements throughout the engineering works as we’re trying to minimise inconvenience to travellers.
Please check before you travel on the service alterations page or on the Greater Anglia app to find out if engineering works are taking place on the day you’re planning to travel and which section of the route is affected.
You can also get the latest updates on the programme by searching social media for #Clacton2021.
Frinton car park will be closed for the duration so we can operate our rail replacement bus service. Alternative parking is available for free at both Kirby Cross and Thorpe-le-Soken subject to availability.
How do I know where the bus stop is and which bus to catch?
Everything will be clearly signposted and we will have extra staff on hand to make sure you catch the right bus and train.
You can also find out where rail replacement bus stops are on the National Rail Enquiries website by putting in the station name and looking under the "Staffing and general services" tab.
Level crossings at Hythe, Alresford and Great Bentley will be closed on selected weekends too, which may affect where your rail replacement bus is able to stop. Check the table below for more information about this.
|
Dates |
Closed level crossing |
Alternate Pick Up/ Drop Off Point |
|
Sat 13 & Sun 14 Feb |
Great Bentley |
Buses will not be serving the Station via Plough Road; Instead will remain on Thorrington Road and stop at the service bus stops at the junction of Sturrick Lane on Thorrington Road |
|
Sat 27 & Sun 28 Feb |
Great Bentley |
Buses will not be serving the station via Plough Road; instead will remain on Thorrington Road and stop at the regular bus stops at the junction of Sturrick Lane on Thorrington Road |
|
Sat 06 & Sun 07 Mar |
Alresford |
Buses will use the service bus stops near to the Pointer Public House on Wivenhoe Road |
| Sat 17 & Sun 18 Apr |
Hythe |
Buses will stop in Hawkins Road |
| Sat 24 & Sun 25 Apr | Hythe |
Buses will stop in Hawkins Road |
|
Sat 15 & Sun 16 May |
Hythe |
Buses will stop in Hawkins Road |
|
Sun 16 May |
Great Bentley |
Buses will not be serving the station via Plough Road; instead will remain on Thorrington Road and stop at the regular bus stops at the junction of Sturrick Lane on Thorrington Road |
No Cycles on rail replacement buses
To maximise space for all customers we do not allow full size cycles on our rail replacement buses. Folding cycles are allowed as long as they have been folded before boarding,
Bus timetables
As soon as we have bus timetables we will publish them on the service alterations section of our website.
Safer travel pledge
Whether you’re travelling with us by train or by bus, you can travel with confidence. We’ve stepped up cleaning and made social distancing easier. You can find more information on our safer travel pledge page
Please remember that it’s compulsory to wear a face covering on all our stations, trains and rail replacement buses, unless you’re exempt. Please make sure it covers your face and nose and that you wear it for the whole of your journey.