The rail lines between Ely to Ipswich and Norwich are set to receive vital track and signalling upgrades, scheduled to be conducted at weekends throughout August and September to improve reliability and drive down delays.
Works will begin on Sunday 7th August, being scheduled to continue throughout the month and into September, seeing culmination on the weekend of Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September. During this time, plain line track work will take place at Elmswell level crossing. This important track renewal will aid in preventing issues that can cause speed restriction across the lines, thus reducing delays between services. The replacement of worn and tired track will assure services will continue to run safely and reliably.
The track renewal works will be accompanied with the Cambridge resignalling re-lock and re-control project (C3R), which aims to deliver state-of-the-art signalling technology for the railway which means better reliability and reduced maintenance. Conducting this signalling overhaul will provide a platform ready for innovative digital technologies within the sector, such as the European Train Control System (ETCS).
Once these projects have been completed, work will then take place on the line between Norwich and Peterborough to conduct level crossing upgrade works to improve safety, reliability for years to come. These are also being targeted to take place over the course of 3 weekends, until Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 September. This scheduling is to minimise disruptions for the local community as much as possible, seeing passengers being advised to check before they travel with a rail replacement bus service will be in operation.
Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said:
“These works are important to keep services running safely and reliably on these lines. We will also carry out work as part of the Cambridge resignalling project, which is crucial to provide a signalling system fit for a modern railway in the Cambridge area and to improve the reliability and performance of the railway for future passengers in the decades to come.”
Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said:
“We’re very sorry for the inconvenience these works cause our customers, but we will make sure you can complete your journeys, even if part of it is by bus. These works will improve reliability on this line, and in combination with our new trains is transforming the railway in our region.”
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