Platform extension work to allow for longer trains between King’s Lynn and Cambridge

Train operator Great Northern is advising passengers in Norfolk to plan their journeys in good time before the August bank holiday weekend because services will be affected by planned Network Rail engineering work.

Trains will be replaced by buses between King’s Lynn and Downham Market from Friday 28 to Monday 31 August.

The work is part of the Fen Line Upgrade, which will allow Great Northern to run longer trains between King’s Lynn and Cambridge from December 2020. The improvement programme is extending both platforms at Waterbeach and one at Littleport, and creating a new siding at King’s Lynn.

Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director for Thameslink and Great Northern, said: “We thank customers whose journeys are affected by these long-needed infrastructure improvements for their patience over the bank holiday weekend. The platform extensions and new sidings will allow a significant capacity increase, transforming journeys for our customers using the Fen Line.

“We’ll be continuing to help and encourage everyone to travel safely. As well as wearing a face covering, maintaining social distancing and keeping hands clean, please check your route in advance to avoid the busiest times, buy tickets in advance if possible, and allow more time for your journey.”

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s Route Director for Anglia, said: “These improvements are vital to improve passengers’ journeys on the Fen Line. The upgrade will allow for longer trains to run, which will especially benefit those travelling on busy peak services between King’s Lynn and Cambridge.”

The Fen Line Upgrade programme, funded by the Department for Transport, will increase capacity on the busy route between Cambridge and King’s Lynn by allowing eight-carriage trains to call at intermediate stations. This will:

• provide more space and seats for passengers travelling between King’s Lynn and Cambridge
• reduce overcrowding on the busy services
• allow the longer trains to stop at Littleport and Waterbeach by extending platforms there
• support local development and regeneration along the Cambridge rail corridor.

Passengers should check the National Rail Journey Planner or www.greatnorthernrail.com before they travel.

Photo credit: Great Northern

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