The next round of consultation on improving rail capacity in the Ely area will be open for six weeks from Monday 18 October 2021, Network Rail has announced.
The Ely Area Capacity Enhancement (EACE) programme aims to allow more trains to run through Ely by improving rail capacity and reliability for passenger services between key destinations, and allowing more freight to operate between Felixstowe and the West Midlands.
Proposals and options
Proposals and options will be put forward for
- Remodelling the track layout at Ely North junction
- Level crossings at Queen Adelaide
- Level crossings at Stonea, Burgess Drove (Waterbeach) and Well Engine foot crossing
- Upgrading of another fifteen level crossings across the wider area.
The feedback from this consultation will help to progress the designs. Network Rail will then decide preferred options and, subject to further funding, submit a Transport and Works Act Order in winter 2022/23. The results of this consultation, together with the results from the Ely South consultation, are expected to be published as part of the Round 3 consultation, currently planned for summer 2022 (subject to funding).
How to have your say
Consultation documents will be available to view and download from Monday 18 October 2021 via the consultation area of the project webpage.
There will also be an online survey form to submit comments to Network Rail on the proposals and options being presented. There will also be a live webchat facility, and an option to call the consultation hotline between 18 and 30 October 2021. Details for the dates and times of the phone line and webchat can be found on the project webpage.
Hard copies of a consultation booklet are available upon request: call Network Rail’s 24/7 helpline number 03457 11 41 41 or email elyareacapacityenhancements@networkrail.co.uk