Network Rail have today opened their first round of public consultation for proposals to upgrade the railway in and around Ely and will run for six weeks.
The Ely area capacity enhancement (EACE) programme is a proposal to allow more trains to run through Ely. The aim is to advance connectively and dependability for passenger services and meet the demand for more rail freight between the Port of Felixstowe, the West Midlands and the north to support sustainable, long-term economic growth.
Businesses and residents around Ely are being invited to view the proposals for the programme as it will present the opportunity for communities around Ely to understand the potential benefits and aspirations, the challenges that would have been tackled to heighten capacity, current funding position of the EACE programme and how the public will be consulted as options are progressed.
Due to the current Covid-10 outbreak and following Government guidance, Network Rail are conducting this first round of public consultation remotely to maintain the safety of the public and staff.
The consultation materials will be available via the project’s web page until the 1st of November.
Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s Route Director for Anglia said: “It is important that we provide opportunities to engage with the communities that could be impacted by our work as it develops. It is even more important that we listen to people and gather their views to help inform our development and design process.
"By starting these discussions early, we hope to embark on this journey with the community and progress these proposals together, finding the right solution for the railway and for Ely.”
Image: Network Rail
