Fears over delays to a long-awaited upgrade to a notorious level crossing in Lowestoft have been expressed to the rail minister.

Network Rail had planned to carry out signalling upgrades at Oulton Broad North Level Crossing and complete it by May 2016.

However a letter from transport union the RMT and Network Rail suggested that the work might not be completed until 2018.

Waveney MP Peter Aldous has sent a letter to rail minister Claire Perry requesting her to ask Network Rail to do all they can to ensure work is done as soon as possible.

He said: 'The station is located on a busy road and whenever the barriers are down and trains are either approaching or sitting in the station. There is a significant build-up of traffic which takes a long time to clear.

'Not only is this congestion extremely frustrating for motorists but it leads to a loss of revenue for local businesses and is a disincentive to attracting investment in the region.

'I was very disappointed to read that the work could be delayed to 2018. It is important this work is carried out as soon as possible so as to reduce the disruption to motorists and businesses.'

The work would cut the amount of time the safety barriers need to be down, therefore cutting the amount of time motorists have to queue up and reduce congestion on the roads.

Mr Aldous added that he along with the Lowestoft and Waveney Chamber of Commerce, Suffolk County Council and Waveney District Council have been in discussions with Network Rail for the last 18 months to find a resolution.

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