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Thursday 19 Aug 2021

Extensive repair works to be carried out following Cambridgeshire level crossing incident

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

Extensive repair and recovery works will be carried out over the next few days following a collision between a freight train and a tractor on the Ely to Peterborough rail line this morning (19 August).

Just after 9am a freight train collided with a tractor at Kisbeys user worked level crossing in March, Cambridgeshire between March and Whittlesea stations. Network Rail is assisting the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) with their investigation to fully understand the circumstance of the incident.

The crash caused three freight wagons to derail and has caused significant damage to the track, signalling equipment and the level crossing. The train driver and the tractor driver sustained minor injuries.

A full programme of works is required before the line can be reopened safely which includes:

• Removing the derailed freight wagons
• Replacing damaged track
• Repairing signalling equipment
• Repairing the level crossing

The work is expected to take at least three days and we are aiming to reopen the line early next week. Further timescales and information will be released as the work progresses.

Network Rail's head of safety for Anglia, Richard Tew, said:

“This was a very serious incident and we are working with RAIB to fully understand the circumstances and why this happened. We are thankful that that neither train or tractor driver are seriously hurt and we are thinking of them both as they recover from the incident.

“Our main aim now is to safely reopen the line and get passenger and freight services moving again as quickly as possible. We have a programme of works planned over the next few days and we ask that passengers bear with us while we carry out these repairs. We are sorry for the disruption this has caused.

“Passengers travelling between Ely and Peterborough are advised to check with their train operator or National Rail Enquiries for the latest information.”