Two railway swing bridges will be unable to open while repair works are carried out next month.Network Rail is starting the first phase of a programme of works on the Somerleyton and Reedham swing bridges in February, which will mean the bridges will be in a closed position, restricting the passage of boats.

Two railway swing bridges will be unable to open while repair works are carried out next month.

Network Rail is starting the first phase of a programme of works on the Somerleyton and Reedham swing bridges in February, which will mean the bridges will be in a closed position, restricting the passage of boats.

Somerleyton swing bridge will be closed and not able to swing between the early hours of Saturday February 13 and Monday February 22.

The bridge at Reedham will only be able to swing between 10am and 10.30am and 3pm and 3.30pm during the same period.

Engineers will repair steelwork and strengthen girders on Reedham bridge and Somerleyton bridge will be inspected to find out what work needs to be done in the future. Further repairs are expected to be carried out over the next three years.

A Broads Authority spokesman said: “Boats which are able to pass under the bridges will still be able to do so but may encounter delays.”

Train services between Norwich and Lowestoft and Yarmouth will not be affected by the work.