Hot weather leaves train tracks damaged in Cambridgeshire

Train timetables are set to be changed as a result of the effects of the hot weather

The excessive hot weather has resulted in damage to train tracks through Cambridge. Network Rail is making timetable changes to trains between Cambridge and King’s Lynn from Monday, August 3.

This is due to the track being affected by hot weather and no rainfall. Joe Kennedy, Infrastructure Director for Network Rail Anglia, said: “We’re taking action to keep running the best possible service despite the significant challenges we’re again facing this summer with our peat and clay soils.

“Our teams across Anglia will continue to work hard to minimise the impact on passengers, but we’re really sorry for the disruption caused by the service changes. Thank you to everyone for bearing with us.”

The peat and clay that sits under long stretches of the railway in Anglia has dried out and shrunk. This has caused the track to drop in places and become uneven.

In response to the damaged track, Network Rail will apply speed restrictions. These restrictions will need to be in place until the ground restrictions have recovered.

Speed restrictions applied to Great Northern services between Ely and King’s Lynn from August 3 mean that trains will arrive at King’s Lynn four minutes later than normal and depart four minutes earlier.

One train in each direction will be withdrawn or amended on weekdays, and there will be additional changes at the weekend. Some trains will also need to run with fewer carriages as the speed restrictions affect how trains and drivers can be planned across the route.

Jenny Saunders, customer service director for Great Northern, said: “We know many passengers will feel disappointed by further timetable changes after the challenges experienced on this route in recent weeks.

“I am sincerely sorry for the impact this will have on your journey, we do not take that inconvenience lightly. These necessary speed restrictions mean we need to make temporary changes to the timetable between King’s Lynn and Cambridge from August 3.

“While we regret having to make these changes, they are necessary to help prevent delays building up throughout the day and to provide a more reliable service. Our teams will continue working closely with Network Rail to minimise the impact and return to the normal timetable as soon as conditions allow.

“Online journey planners and our website have been updated with the revised train times, and passengers are encouraged to check before they travel as services will operate differently from the usual timetable.”

Network Rail Anglia will be closely monitoring track conditions across the region, with further speed restrictions potentially being needed in the coming weeks to keep services running. Network Rail’s extra late engineering works will take place as planned to help improve track conditions.