Network Rail runs the UK's rail infrastructure

More than �1bn will be spent over the next three years replacing track and upgrading equipment in several areas of the east of England.

Mark Phillips, with Network Rail, said: "We want to reduce the number of track defects that cause trains to be delayed and improve our signalling equipment."

He said the overall aim of the project was to provide a safer and more punctual and reliable railway.

The company has pledged to spend more than �26bn over five years across England and Wales, replacing nearly 1.5 miles of track per day.

Local projects

In the East, the closure of the tunnel at Ipswich in Suffolk will be one of the biggest projects.

Track is to be re-laid between Manningtree, Essex and Ipswich and between Ely and Thetford in Norfolk.

The East Coast main line will get new cables and Peterborough station will benefit from a �10m scheme to improve signalling.

Mr Phillips said power lines sited along the tracks will also be reinforced to stop them sagging in hot weather.