No trains will run on two major routes from Norwich for nine days this month, with replacement bus services instead taking on the mantle.

All services between Norwich and Great Yarmouth and Norwich and Lowestoft will be replaced by buses, as Network Rail carries out wholesale changes to signalling systems across the routes.

The changes will signal systems taking a far more electronic form, with 66 new LED signals, 22 power-operated points and remote computer-based signalling control systems replacing levers and physical operations.

The works, which begin on Saturday, February 10, will also see level crossings currently operated by crossing keepers replaced with barriers which will be remotely controlled by a signaller using CCTV cameras.

The adaptations are being made as part of a £68m investment in the region’s rails, continuing until March 2019.

Meliha Duymaz, Network Rail’s route managing director for East Anglia, said: “This is a significant project that will not only transform rail travel for passengers in this region, but also brings benefits for motorists and pedestrians.

“We are working to provide a sustainable and efficient railway which uses modern technology, to improve safety and reliability as part of our rail upgrade plan.”

Alongside these works, Network Rail is also carrying out work on three level crossings, which will temporarily close to vehicles and pedestrians on certain days in the run up to and during the works.

These closures are as follows:

• Strumpshaw - between 8am and 8pm on Sunday, Feburary 4

• Brundall, between 6pm on Sunday, Febraury 11 and 6am on Monday, February 12

• Cantley Road - nights from 11pm until 4pm from Saturday March 3 until Monday March 5.

Diversions will be put in place on these occasions.

Jamie Burles, managing director of Greater Anglia, said: “This is important work to modernise the railway in East Anglia, which will improve reliability.

“We know our customers would rather travel by train, but during engineering works we will still make sure customers can complete their journeys by organising rail replacement buses.”

The works are part of an significant project which began in October 2017. Regular service resumes on Monday, February 19.