Autumn consultation on Ely rail capacity begins

Network Rail has invited the public to comment on a range of proposals and options in the latest part of a wider consultation on increasing rail capacity through Ely.

The Ely area capacity enhancement (EACE) programme aims to allow more trains to run by improving rail capacity and reliability for passenger services between key destinations. 

Engagement with the community began in 2020 and will run into 2022. For this autumn consultation, proposals and options will be presented during a six-week period. They will include:

• Proposals to remodel the track layout at Ely North junction
• Options for level crossings at Queen Adelaide, Stonea, Burgess Drove (Waterbeach) and Well Engine foot crossing.
• Proposals to upgrade other 15 level crossings across the wider area

Network Rail expects better capacity to benefit the local and national economy thanks to improved connectivity and reliability. Additionally, rail freight demand is growing and it has said increasing the capacity of the network will help support a shift from road to rail. This is expected to provide a faster, greener, safer and more efficient way of transporting goods across the country — helping to remove lorries from the roads and further reduce pollution and congestion.

Chris Heaton-Harris, Rail Minister, said: “This consultation is a perfect way for passengers to help create a network that works for them.

“We remain committed to improving rail capacity through Ely and urge passengers to use this opportunity to comment on the future of your railway.”

Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, Ellie Burrows, said: “This could be the most important stage of consultation yet as we present options that will be essential to releasing the capacity through the Ely north junction bottleneck and seeking to resolve challenges at key level crossings.

“We are continuing to engage with the wider Ely community on this important infrastructure project for the Anglia rail network to seek feedback from local residents, businesses and stakeholders. 

Their feedback will continue to inform our designs as we progress with this important project to find the right solutions for the railway and for Ely” 

Consultation details

There’ll be an opportunity for the public to put their questions to Network Rail via its live webchat facility, and it is running a dedicated consultation phone line (0800 160 1780) at the following times between 18 October to 30 October 2021:

• Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 14:00 – 17:00
• Wednesday 17:00 – 20:00
• Saturday 10:00 – 13:00

Webchat is available from:

• Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10:00 – 16:00
• Wednesday 14:00 – 20:00

The consultation materials will be digitally available via the Ely project webpage and hardcopies are available upon request. As part of the public consultation, local events will be held at the Queen Adelaide Village Hall to provide an opportunity for residents to put questions to Network Rail’s Ely project team. How to book an appointment along with the dates and times of the events are available on the Ely project webpage at www.networkrail.co.uk/Ely

The results from this round of consultation, together with the feedback from the earlier Ely South consultation will help to progress designs prior to selecting preferred options in 2022. Subject to further funding, Network Rail will present the preferred options as part of a final round of consultation in 2022 prior to submission of a Transport and Works Act Order, expected around winter 2022.  

Picture Credit: Network Rail

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