Network Rail launches public consultation to increase capacity between Ely and Soham

OREANDA-NEWS. March 13, 2015. This investment is part of a programme of work that will help to move lorries off the roads by providing additional capacity for freight trains on the Felixstowe to Nuneaton route, which goes through Ipswich, Ely and Peterborough. It will also help to increase capacity for future passenger services on this section of line.

The railway between Felixstowe and Nuneaton is a key freight route – and the additional capacity provided by this proposed upgrade would result in up to 114,000 return lorry journeys being removed from the roads every year by 2023. As part of the proposals, a number of level crossings would also be upgraded to improve safety and reliability.

Richard Schofield, Network Rail route managing director, said: “The plans for the railway between Ely and Soham are an important part of our plans to improve the railway in the east of England.This stretch of track is currently a major bottleneck and the proposed second track will enable us to create extra capacity on the line for both freight and passenger services. We look forward to meeting local people to discuss the scheme.”

Although most of the proposed work required to build the new section of railway between Ely and Soham can be carried out within Network Rail’s boundary, the company will need to acquire some additional land next to the rail line on which to construct and operate the new line.

This will require Network Rail to make an application for a Transport and Works Act Order to the Secretary of State for Transport, and this public consultation forms a key part of this application.

It is anticipated that an application will be submitted later this year and subject to consent, work could start in 2017 and be completed in 2019.