NEW track was installed on the train line as engineering work took place over the bank holiday weekend.

Network Rail said 120 metres of track was replaced at Colchester and nearly 3km of track was installed between Manningtree and Ardleigh.

One set of points, a new buffer stop and 1,200 tons of ballast were also replaced in Colchester.

Further closures of the line are expected on the coming weekends to renew more track.

Meliha Duymaz, Network Rail’s route managing director for Anglia, said: “We have made some major improvements over the bank holiday weekend, which will prevent delays and cancellations on the busy main line as part of our railway upgrade plan.

“Hundreds of services use this line every day which causes wear on the track, bridges and other parts of the railway. That is why work like this is essential to keep services on the move.

"I’d like to thank passengers for their patience while this work was carried out.”

During weekends in September and October, buses will regularly replace trains between Ingatestone and Marks Tey, Colchester or Ipswich, and between Witham and Braintree.

Network Rail has said a normal service will operate on Saturday September 29, Saturdays 6, 21, 27 October and Sunday, October 22.

Greater Anglia managing director Jamie Burles said: “We are very grateful to customers for their patience and understanding while this work was carried out.

“We booked 300 buses so everyone could complete their journeys, and extra staff were on hand to make sure customers caught the right bus.

“These engineering works are vital to improve the railway in East Anglia for everyone, making it more reliable for generations to come.”

Passengers can check how their journeys will be affected at www.nationalrail.co.uk or www.greateranglia.co.uk