Changes to emergency repair works that will affect Peterborough rail services

Network Rail said today (August 28) that passengers are now being advised about changes to dates for a series of emergency works to replace wheel timbers on the railway tracks on four bridges at Manea, between Ely and Peterborough.

Earlier this week it had said the line would need to be closed for 28 days starting on September 6.

However, Network Rail said that following further engineering inspections of the timbers on the Manea bridges, Network Rail, working closely with train operators, has identified a way of safely delivering the work over a series of 11 weekends, removing the need for four weeks of intensive works in September and reducing the disruption to passengers and freight.

There are currently 20 miles per hour speed restrictions over these bridges to make it safe for trains passing over them. Inspections will be carried out during the works to monitor the bridges and additional safety measures, such as further speed restrictions, will be implemented if required. Passengers are urged to check with train operators about the impact to their journeys.

There are 53 pairs of wheel timbers across the structures that are in most urgent need of replacement. If these timbers are not replaced soon, it’s almost certain that there will be further deterioration. This would then lead to either additional speed restrictions or the closure of the line, significantly disrupting train services. As a result, this work must take place as soon as possible.

The work is now expected to be completed during 11 weekend works on the line on the following dates:

Sunday 6 September

Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 September

Saturday 19 September

Saturday 26 – Sunday 27 September

Saturday 3 – Sunday 4 October

Saturday 10 – Sunday 11 October

Sunday 25 October

Saturday 31 October – Sunday 1 November

Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 November

Saturday 21 – Sunday 22 November

Saturday 28 – Sunday 29 November

Any passenger planning a journey during this time is urged to check with their train operator or National Rail Enquiries as to the alternatives available to help inform their travel plans.

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “I know this kind of late change can be frustrating for passengers, and I’m sorry for any confusion.

“Running a safe railway is my absolute priority, and these changes mean we can deliver the work we most urgently need to do and keep the railway open for the journeys I know so many people need and want to take by rail.”

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said: “Engineering works are inevitably inconvenient for passengers who would prefer to travel for the whole of their journey by train, but they are vital for the reliability and safety of our railway.

“We will, of course, make sure that our customers will still be able to complete their journeys, even if part of it is by rail replacement bus, although please note that it is not possible to take full size bikes on buses.”

Full timetables will soon be uploaded so passengers can check how their journey will be affected at www.nationalrail.co.uk or with their train operator at www.greateranglia.co.uk, www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk or www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk.