Media centre

Wednesday 1 Sep 2021

Passengers reminded to check before travelling as wheel timber renewals between Ely and Peterborough recommence this September

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

Rail passengers travelling between Ely and Peterborough will benefit from a more reliable service following a programme of wheel timber renewals across four bridges near Manea, starting Saturday 11 September 2021.

Over the last 20 months inspections of softwood wheel timbers have been taking place using new technology, to understand the internal condition of the timbers. As part of the inspection 115 timbers on four bridges have been identified as needing replacement. 

As part of this renewal programme, Network Rail together with its contractor Taziker, will be replacing 29 pairs of wheel timbers starting this September for seven weekends. This follows work which took place at the end of 2020 to replace 57 pairs of wheel timbers across the four bridges. It is very important to replace any timbers to avoid further deterioration which could then lead to either speed restrictions or the closure of the line, significantly disrupting train services.

The work is expected to be completed during the following dates:

Saturday 11 September

Sunday 19 September

Sunday 26 September

Sunday 3 October

Sunday 10 October

Sunday 17 October

Saturday 23 – Sunday 24 October

Passengers planning a journey during this time are urged to check with their train operator or National Rail Enquiries to help inform their travel plans. 

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “Running a safe railway is my absolute priority and this work is vital to running a safe and reliable railway network for our passengers.

“We can only carry out this work when trains aren’t running and have planned this in at the weekend when fewer people travel.

“I advise passengers to check before they travel and thank everyone for their patience while the work takes place.”

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said: “This track maintenance work will help to improve reliability along this key part of our network.

“A rail replacement bus service will operate while the work takes place, so customers will be able to complete their journeys. Passengers should check before they travel, allow more time for their journey and wear a face covering when travelling by train or rail replacement bus and at our stations.

“We have several measures in place to keep customers safe including regular cleaning and sanitisation of trains and stations, and high levels of face covering compliance.

“We would like to thank customers for their patience while this work takes place.”

Richard Morris, Regional Director East Midlands & Anglia, CrossCountry said: “We are pleased that Network Rail are carrying out this essential infrastructure upgrade work at times of the week when fewer of our customers will be travelling. We will work collaboratively with our rail industry partners to ensure alternative travel arrangements are put in place to minimise the inconvenience to passengers”.

Passengers can check how their journey will be affected at www.nationalrail.co.uk or with their train operator at www.greateranglia.co.uk, www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk or www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk. 

You can also follow us on Twitter @networkrailANG using the hashtag #ManeaBridgeWorks #PuttingPassengersFirst