Network Rail’s Ely area capacity enhancement (EACE) programme proposes to upgrade the railway to allow more trains to run through Ely. Phase 2 of the scheme is currently open for public consultation at https://phase2.elyareacapacity.com/

The programme’s aim is to increase capacity through Ely for up to ten train services in each direction per hour from the current level.

For this second round of consultation, Network Rail are inviting the public to comment on the options for development in the Ely south area. This encompasses

• part of the Soham branch line
• Ely Dock junction and Ely station
• Stuntney Road bridge
• Cutter bridge
• Common Muckhill bridge
• Kiln Lane level crossing.

The consultation also includes questions about bridge styles and information about construction, sustainability, and the environment.

Of these, the most complex and controversial issue is likely to be the Kiln Lane crossing. More frequent train services would result in the Kiln Lane level crossing being closed for much longer periods each hour. Network Rail are therefore proposing to permanently close the crossing, and provide an alternative means of crossing the railway for pedestrians and an alternative means of vehicle access to commercial and leisure facilities. Network Rail are offering four different footbridge options for pedestrians, and two options for vehicles – a 300 metre long and ten metre high viaduct across part of the Ely Pits and Meadows SSSI and agricultural grazing land, or a 60 metre long vehicle bridge across the River Great Ouse with road access from Queen Adelaide Way. The latter option could mean diverting a public right of way along the bank of the river, and would require deep piling to support the bridge.

There are various ways for the public to comment, outlined here, and the consultation closes on Sunday 4 July.