In 2006, Suffolk County Council
commissioned consultants Faber Maunsell to carry out a study on the
East Suffolk Line between Ipswich and Lowestoft. The study was to
look at how the East Suffolk Line could be developed for an hourly
interval service to operate over the line to help the regeneration
of Lowestoft and Waveney. Waveney District Council had input into
the study. The effects of an improved rail service on the A12 road
in East Suffolk was also taken into account.
Faber Maunsell looked at a number of options but concluded the best
option would be for a passing loop at Beccles station. Also that an
hourly service could operate between Lowestoft, Ipswich and London.
Higher speeds over the line would also make journey times more
attractive to travellers. The cost of works to provide the passing
loop and associated works at Beccles have been calculated by Faber
Maunsell as between £2.4m and £3.1m.
The report has been passed to the rail industry to lobby for the
inclusion of Beccles loop to be included in the route utilisation
strategy for East Anglia currently being undertaken by Network
Rail.