The Rail route between King’s Lynn, Cambridge and London King’s Cross is receiving major infrastructural repairs to combat the damages and defects caused by the recent heatwave. The continued spell of dry weather has resulted in the ground beneath the track to shrink, affecting the durability of the track above.
Speed restrictions have been implemented by Network Rail to afford the safe delivery of rail services whilst preventing any further damages to the track. The restrictions have added up to 30 minutes of travel time onto most services to and from London, causing a plethora of knock on delays across the Great Northern and Thameslink network.
Repair works began on Saturday 3rd September, seeing Network Rail engineers re-align the tracks through use of an engineering train. The project could lead to changes to services until at least 18th September, though some additional services could be possible to and from Ely.
Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said:
“We have introduced speed restrictions on the Fen Line because of track defects caused by the ground drying out beneath the track during the dry weather. Speed restrictions will prevent further damage and allow a service to operate while we work to carry out the repairs. I am very sorry for the delays and thank passengers for their patience while we carry out these repairs.”
Great Northern and Thameslink Customer Services Director Jenny Saunders said:
"We're sorry we have to change our rail service between Kings Lynn, Cambridge and London but it is absolutely essential to ensure the continued safe running of our trains and to give our customers a dependable service, especially now that the schools are back.
"Some of our trains between London and Cambridge or Ely won't run which will make other services busier, and passengers for stations along the route to King's Lynn will have to change at Cambridge until the direct service can be restored."
Further details will become available in the coming days as the project continues
Want to know more about the opportunities to become a key supplier to the UK rail industry? Attend TransCityRail and access an exclusive marketplace of buyers from Network Rail, HS2, Train Operators, Major Contractors, and all other tiers of the supply chain. For more information and to secure your place click here.
