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Passengers in the Clacton-on-Sea area will benefit from a significant upgrade in reliability and safety when a computer-based signalling system goes live as a major upgrade is carried out between now and next Spring, including a 23-day stretch of intensive engineering works during February and March 2021.

A programme of upgrade works will be taking place this autumn on the main line between Stratford and Shenfield to improve reliability of passenger journeys and prepare for the start of Elizabeth line services.

Network Rail is announcing the first phase of public consultation for proposals to upgrade the railway in and around Ely which opens on 21 September and will run for six weeks.

Passengers are advised to check how their journey might be affected when vital rail upgrades take place over the August Bank Holiday weekend to improve reliability of services. 

Essex’s Dancing on Ice champion and Celebrity Gogglebox star, Joe Swash, is fronting a new campaign designed to teach children about rail safety. The Stay Safe with Thomas campaign, launched by Network Rail and Thomas & Friends™, is designed to give parents the tools to educate their children about how to keep safe when travelling on the railway.

Network Rail has awarded the contract to build Soham’s new railway station to J Murphy and Sons Ltd. 

Passengers are reminded to check before travelling for journeys between Norwich and Lowestoft as week long track renewal works to improve reliability of services begin later this week.  

Vital track replacement work at Clapton that will increase reliability for passengers, has been completed at the weekend.