Network Rail has lifted a speed restriction on the line between Ely and Peterborough as wheel timber renewals have been completed on four bridges near Manea.
These upgrades will allow trains to travel at speeds of up to 75mph making for more reliable train journeys.
Inspections of softwood wheel timbers have taken place using new technology over the past 20 months.
This was done to gain a greater understanding of the internal condition of the timbers.
The inspection found that 115 timbers on four bridges have been identified as needing to be replaced.
Network Rail has worked with contractor Taziker to replace 30 wheel timbers over seven weekends.
This follows on from work at the end of 2020 where a further 57 pairs of wheel timbers were replaced across four bridges.
The replacement of timbers is essential work which avoids further deterioration which could lead to further disruptions on the rail line.
Network Rail emphasised how the work will make travel between Ely and Peterborough safer and more reliable.
Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia said: “Passengers’ journeys are now more reliable and safer following this critical work to replace the wheel timbers on the Manea bridges.
“We also took great care to protect the environment in the area while carrying out the work.
“I know passengers haven’t been able to travel by train on this line over the last seven weekends.
“I’d like to thank them for bearing with us, while we carried out the work to improve their journeys for the future.”
Further work is expected to take place on the bridges in 2022.
The work will be carried out by Network Rail and its contractors and details of the plans will be published once they are finalised.
