Passengers travelling through Ely station this spring are set to benefit from smoother, more reliable journeys as Network Rail delivers a major programme of weekend engineering works at one of the busiest rail junctions in the East of England.
From Saturday 25 April, engineers will carry out extensive track renewals in the Ely area, including:
- Renewal of almost 1,000 yards of track
- Replacement of six sets of points, which allow trains to move between lines
- Installation of new sleepers and ballast, improving track stability and longevity
Ely is a critical rail hub, carrying a high volume of passenger services and heavy freight traffic, which accelerates wear on rails and track components. The works are designed to boost long‑term reliability, reduce the risk of unplanned disruption, and help prevent delays and cancellations across multiple routes.
Engineering Work Schedule at Ely
The core track renewal work will take place over the following weekends:
- Saturday 25 April and Sunday 26 April
- Saturday 2 May to Monday 4 May (Bank Holiday weekend)
- Saturday 9 May and Sunday 10 May
- Saturday 16 May and Sunday 17 May
To complete the programme, two additional Sundays in late June will be used for tamping – a process that ensures the track settles correctly after renewal:
- Sunday 21 June
- Sunday 28 June
Impact on Train Services
Passengers using Greater Anglia, East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry and Great Northern services on these dates are advised to check before travelling and allow extra time for their journeys.
Operator‑specific travel arrangements
Greater Anglia
- Rail replacement buses will operate between Thetford and Cambridge North, and Bury St Edmunds and Peterborough
- Train services will continue between Norwich and Thetford, Cambridge North and Stansted Airport, and Ipswich and Cambridge
East Midlands Railway
- Liverpool–Norwich services will start and terminate at Peterborough
- A connecting rail replacement bus will operate between Peterborough and Norwich
CrossCountry
- Buses will replace trains between Peterborough and Cambridge on services running between Birmingham and Stansted Airport
Great Northern
- Buses will replace trains between Cambridge and King’s Lynn on the London King’s Cross–King’s Lynn route
Journey planners, including nationalrail.co.uk, are generally updated with service changes up to 12 weeks in advance.
Industry Commentary
Martin Beable, speaking on behalf of Greater Anglia and Network Rail, said:
“A rail replacement service will run while the work takes place, so we’re encouraging passengers to check before they travel and allow more time for their journey.
“We’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while this work is carried out.”
Jenny Saunders, Customer Service Director for Great Northern, added:
“We’re sorry for this disruption, which is essential to maintaining and safe and reliable service. With buses replacing trains between Cambridge and King’s Lynn, it’s vital that passengers plan ahead at nationalrail.co.uk and allow plenty of extra time.”
Image credit: Network Rail
