The Anglia rail network is set to undergo a series of improvements in the coming six months after Network Rail announced a large package of improvement works that are due to be rolled out in the region.
Through the work, the intention is to improve the reliability of Anglia’s services for passengers. The focus will be on increasing the number of trains running on time, as well as cutting the number of delays to services due to signal failures, track faults or overhead wire faults.
Among the projects announced under the initiative are large-scale track and signal renewal works on the Clacton on Sea branch line this autumn, as well as work to renew track at Somerleyton.
Over Christmas, meanwhile, the overhead wires at Stratford will be replaced, with Network Rail explaining that this will improve reliability, particularly in hot weather.
Work will also be carried out from July to September on the Ipswich to Bury St Edmunds line, with track being renewed near Elmswell. A similar project will also take place in Colchester and Needham Market on the Norwich to London mainline during the autumn.
Route director for Anglia at Network Rail Ellie Burrows said that the organisation understands that many people who use the trains in this part of the UK want to see them become more reliable.
“We have tried to minimise the impact on journeys by grouping projects together where can but this amount of work simply cannot be carried out without some closures,” she explained.
However, in announcing the various autumn projects now, the organisation hopes that it will give passengers enough time to plan their journeys. With the government still advising against all but essential use of public transport, it’s hoped that fewer people will see their journeys disrupted by any work in the coming weeks and months.
Network Rail isn’t the only organisation that will be completing projects on the Anglia network in the coming months. Transport for London (TfL) will begin lengthening platforms 16 and 17 at Liverpool Street this Christmas.
The aim of this work is to make these platforms available to the longer trains that will run on the Elizabeth line.
Last month, Network Rail submitted plans to East Cambridgeshire District Council asking for planning permission to construct a new station at Soham. This would reconnect the town with the rail network, which the organisation believes will deliver better transport connections for both local residents and businesses.
If the plans are approved, the new Soham station will feature a 99m long platform that is able to accommodate four-train services and there will be a stepped footbridge across the railway to connect to the existing public right of way.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough major James Palmer commented: “This station will supercharge the whole local economy, reducing pressure and pollution on the A142, improving connections to Ely, Bury St Edmunds and beyond.”
He added that it would also give residents access to a greater number of jobs, as well as bring tourism into the area.
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