Rail minister hears of problems at East Anglian bottlenecks

Rail minister Huw Merriman attended a Westminster reception organised by Transport East and chambers of commerce to hear about the projects that are needed to allow the region's network reach its potential.

But there is still no word on major schemes seen as necessary to boost cross-country services - and reduce pressure on the main line to London.

The two major projects are doubling the track at Haughley junction near Stowmarket and the much larger scheme to rebuild junctions to the north and south of Ely station.

They would allow more freight trains from Felixstowe to travel cross-country rather than via London, more passenger trains to run from Ipswich to Peterborough, and more trains to run from Norwich to Cambridge.

The new report from Transport East, "State of Rail in the East," is the first time that a full review of the network has been completed and forms the first phase in developing a comprehensive plan to transform it.

It says the rail network in the East needs improving to maximise the number of journeys made, by both people and goods.

Some schemes are well developed and could be started quickly if funding was available including Haughley and Ely junctions and Trowse Bridge in Norwich. 

Transport East chair Kevin Bentley said: “We need a stable pipeline of rail investment in the East to get people and goods off our congested roads.”

Giles Watling chairs the Great Eastern task force. Picture: Transport East. (Image: Transport East)

Giles Watling MP, chair of the Great Eastern Main Line Taskforce added: “While we welcome the new trains on the Great Eastern Main Line, sadly we have not seen the same commitment to the railway infrastructure, especially at the Haughley and Ely junctions, resulting in slow and infrequent services.”