Cambridge and King’s Lynn upgrade
As part of a significant enhancement scheme to tackle congestion between Cambridge and King’s Lynn, VolkerFitzpatrick has been appointed to upgrade the stations at Waterbeach and Littleport, extending the platforms to accommodate longer, eight-carriage trains in the peak.
Appointed as principal contractor for Network Rail, the team will:
- Extend both platforms at Waterbeach station and platform 2 at Littleport station to be able to accommodate eight car trains
- Create a new siding for stabling at King’s Lynn, to support the longer train formations
Work is expected to start in October 2019, with completion in the summer of 2020.
At the first available opportunity, eight car services will then be introduced during peak times to provide a better experience for passengers by reducing overcrowding on existing services.
This is one of the first projects to progress to this stage, as part of the new Rail Networks Enhancements Pipeline process, which the Department for Transport and Network Rail now jointly use to manage the delivery of new rail infrastructure.
Additional information
- The Department for Transport approved the funding package for the project (approximately £27m) in February 2019.
- VolkerFitzpatrick began GRIP 5 design services for the Kings Lynn service Enhancement Project, in November 2018. This is a continuation of that contract.
- VolkerRail, sister company of VolkerFitzpatrick, is appointed to complete signalling, track and OLE works.
- It is anticipated Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) will look to introduce longer eight car services as soon as possible following the completion of the infrastructure.
“This important project will enable longer trains to run between Cambridge and King’s Lynn during peak times, providing a better service for passengers with more seats, reducing overcrowding. “We have worked hard to get the project to this stage and I’m excited to see works begin, which once completed will deliver significant benefits for passengers.”
Meliha Duymaz, Network Rail’s route managing director for Anglia
