Public consultation opens for Ely rail capacity

Network Rail’s first round of public consultation for proposals to upgrade the railway in and around Ely opens today (September 21) and will run for six weeks.

The Ely area capacity enhancement (EACE) programme is a proposal to upgrade the railway to allow more trains to run through Ely.

The aim is to improve connectivity and reliability for passenger services and meet the demand for more rail freight between the Port of Felixstowe, the West Midlands and the north to support sustainable, long-term economic growth.

Residents and businesses in and around Ely are being invited to learn more about the proposals for the programme as it will be an opportunity for communities around Ely to understand: the potential benefits and aspirations, the challenges that would have to be addressed to increase capacity, the current funding position of the EACE programme, how the public will be consulted as options are progressed and how the public can have their say.

Owing to the current coronavirus situation and following government guidance, this first round of public consultation is being conducted remotely.

The consultation materials will be available online via the project webpage until November 1.

Feedback can be submitted to Network Rail using the online survey accessed via the webpage or by sending comments back to Network Rail using the pre-paid postal form found in the consultation booklet.

There will also be opportunities for the public to speak to project representatives via webchats at specific times throughout the consultation period as well as by telephone.

The webchat facility is available via the project webpage from today (September 21) to October 1 on the following days: Mon, Tues, Thurs 10am – 4pm, Weds 2pm – 8pm.

The consultation line, 0800 1601780, is also live from today, until October 3, on the following days: Mon, Tues, Thurs 2pm – 5pm, Wed 5pm – 8pm, Saturday 10am – 1pm.

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia said: “It is important that we provide opportunities to engage with the communities that could be impacted by our work as it develops.

"It is even more important that we listen to people and gather their views to help inform our development and design process.

"By starting these discussions early, we hope to embark on this journey with the community and progress these proposals together, finding the right solution for the railway and for Ely.”

General comments on the programme can be sent by email to: ElyAreaCapacityEnhancements@networkrail.co.uk.

Hard copies of the consultation materials can be requested by contacting 03457 114141, or by emailing ElyAreaCapcityEnhancements@networkrail.co.uk.

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