Vital works will cause major disruption on Peterborough train services

The line between Peterborough and Ely will be shut for 28 days starting on Sunday, September 6.

There will also be no services running to London King’s Cross from Peterborough on Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6.

The Ely to Peterborough closure is to allow Network Rail to replace 87 pairs of wheel timbers on the railway tracks on four bridges at Manea, between Ely and Peterborough.

Following the derailment of a freight train on a wheel-timber bridge at Wanstead Park earlier this year, additional inspections were carried out on railway bridges with softwood timbers using new technology, to understand the internal condition of the timbers.

The four bridges at Manea were part of this additional inspection programme. It was found that 87 of the 140 pairs of wheel timbers across the structures now require urgent replacement.

If these timbers are not replaced soon, its 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.

There are currently 20 miles per hour speed restrictions over these bridges to make it safer for trains passing over them, and this will continue until the work begins.

There have already been a series of closures to allow work to take place, and from September 6, there will be a replacement bus service running.

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “I know this kind of disruption is incredibly frustrating for our passengers, and I’m sorry that it will impact people’s journeys for so long. Running a safe railway is my absolute priority, and so while I know it will be painful for passengers and our freight customers, I believe this is the right decision to get the work done as soon as possible.”

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia’s Managing Director, said: “Although there’s never a good time to carry out engineering work, particularly over this length of time, we understand the need for these urgent and important works. Running a safe, reliable railway is our first priority, so these remedial actions are necessary to prevent more disruptive works at a later date.

“A rail replacement bus service will run while the work takes place, to ensure customers can complete their journeys. Full timetables will be uploaded to our website soon. We would urge customers to plan their journeys in advance as they are likely to take significantly longer than usual.

“We would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank customers for their patience and understanding.”

Richard Morris, CrossCountry’s Regional Director for East Midlands & East Anglia, said: “We know long periods of engineering work can be an inconvenience, and have worked closely with Network Rail to minimise the impact on our customers as much as possible. We are sorry if anyone’s journeys are affected by this, but when complete this work will ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of our services through Manea for many years to come.”

The East Coast closure will see Network Rail engineers carrying out essential work towards the re-opening of a disused railway tunnel near King’s Cross, which will allow more trains to enter and exit the station. Work will also take place to renew the tracks to certain platforms, make improvements to the signalling at the station and strengthen Camden Sewer which runs beneath the tracks, bringing smoother journeys for passengers.

People who need to travel to London from the north on the East Coast Main Line will need to change trains at Peterborough onto Thameslink services, which will run to St Pancras International on Saturday 5 September and to Finsbury Park on Sunday 6 September. Fast Great Northern services from Cambridge will also finish at Finsbury Park instead of King’s Cross, which will extend journey times.

Passengers are strongly advised to check before travelling via National Rail Enquiries, at EastCoastUpgrade.co.uk or with their train operator, and to allow plenty of time. All trains are expected to be busier than normal. Passengers travelling on LNER services must have a seat reservation, which can be made up to five minutes prior to departure.

Ed Akers, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail, said: “This work which is taking place in and around King’s Cross station is an essential part of the East Coast Upgrade. It will allow further major improvements to take place, including the reopening of the railway tunnel, which will make space for more trains coming in and out of the station.

“We strongly advise passengers to avoid travelling to London King’s Cross over the first weekend in September, as they will need to change trains and services which are running may be busy. Those who do need to travel to London should check their journeys and allow plenty of time.

“We would like to thank passengers for their continued patience whilst vital work on the East Coast Upgrade is carried out and we apologise for any inconvenience. The project will bring improved services, faster journeys and a more reliable railway.”

A spokesperson on behalf of train operators on the route, said: “This work is really important and a vital step towards more reliable, frequent and faster services for our passengers.

“We would like to thank people in advance for their patience and understanding whilst this part of the East Coast Upgrade is carried out. Passengers who need to travel to or from London should check how their journey will be affected by visiting EastCoastUpgrade.co.uk, National Rail Enquiries or checking with their train operator.”