Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Leaders Join Forces to Urge Government Action on Ely Rail Upgrades

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Leaders Join Forces to Urge Government Action on Ely Rail Upgrades

The Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Paul Bristow, has joined forces with local Members of Parliament to call on the Government to prioritise the Ely Area Capacity Enhancement (EACE) scheme — a critical infrastructure project to unlock rail congestion and boost regional growth.

Following cross-party agreement, MPs representing the region have co-signed a letter to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, urging her to commit to funding the long-overdue upgrades to Ely Junction.

The joint action underlines a long-standing consensus that upgrading Ely Junction is key to unlocking growth not just in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, but nationally.

The scheme, which tackles one of the UK’s most congested rail bottlenecks, is widely recognised as a high-value investment, offering returns of up to £4.89 for every £1 spent.

Signatories to the letter, are:

Andrew Pakes MP, Peterborough

Ben Obese-Jecty MP, Huntingdon

Charlotte Cane MP, Ely and East Cambridgeshire

Daniel Zeichner MP, Cambridge

Ian Sollom MP, St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire

Pippa Heylings MP, South Cambridgeshire

Sam Carling MP, North West Cambridgeshire

The Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP, North East Cambridgeshire

Click here to read the letter

Mayor Paul Bristow said:

“The government’s recent transport infrastructure announcements were a missed opportunity for our region.

“It is deeply disappointing that they failed to include a commitment to the Ely Area Capacity Enhancement (EACE) scheme; despite its exceptional benefit-cost ratio and its clear potential to deliver faster, more frequent rail services between Peterborough, the Fens, Ely, and Cambridge.

“Cambridgeshire and Peterborough must not be taken for granted.

“I’m encouraged that our Members of Parliament are continuing to work with me – across party lines – to champion this vital project.

“By speaking with one voice, we are sending a clear and united message: our region deserves its fair share of infrastructure investment.
“This issue remains as pressing as ever, and I look forward to continuing our collective efforts to secure the government backing needed to deliver EACE.”