MP puzzled by absence of rail junction upgrade

An MP has expressed being "quite baffled" as to why a major upgrade at Ely North Junction in Cambridgeshire has yet to be completed. For over 25 years, advocates have argued that enhancing the junction would allow for increased freight and passenger traffic while boosting the local economy.

Charlotte Cane, the local Liberal Democrat MP, stated that "for every 1 invested, the project is expected to return nearly 5" ahead of a parliamentary debate scheduled for Wednesday.

A spokesperson from the Department for Transport (DfT) acknowledged the significance of the project and confirmed that Ely North is expected to be considered in future funding pipelines. They emphasized: "There is a strong case for Ely Junction, and we are committed to collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders to support its inclusion in upcoming project plans."

The junction serves as a meeting point for rail lines from Norwich, Cambridge, King's Lynn, Peterborough, and Ipswich. Despite receiving approval from past governments on at least two occasions, construction has not yet begun. In 2020, the estimated cost of the project rose dramatically from 25 million to 500 million, with complex engineering challenges and slow decision-making also cited as obstacles.

Charlotte Cane, representing Ely and East Cambridgeshire, expressed hope that Wednesday's debate would highlight the critical importance of the upgrade. She noted that the project would reduce road freight and benefit not only the local community but also regions extending to the Midlands and northern areas.

"It's an impressive initiative... I'm still quite puzzled as to why it hasn't progressed," Cane told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.

The DfT added that while the previous government announced Network North, which included this project, it did not provide a clear funding strategy.

Five rail lines from across the East of England converge at Ely North Junction, making its improvement a priority for regional transport efficiency.

Author: Sophia Brooks