MPS demand action over Ely and Haughley junction revamps

MPs have written to transport secretary Louise Haigh urging that she put revamps for Ely and Haughley junctions at the top of the government's to-do list.

Ely junction (Image: Network Rail)

They want the government to release money now, to help plan for improvements.

Transport secretary Louise Haigh (Image: James Manning / Press Association)

Members of the East of England All-Party Parliamentary Group say the long-sought improvements at the key rail junctions would unlock economic growth and bring better services for passengers.

The upgrades for Ely North junction and Haughley junction, near Stowmarket, were announced by then prime minister Rishi Sunak almost a year ago.

Ely junction viewed from above (Image: Network Rail) Improvements to Ely junction are particularly important for Norfolk as it links five lines connecting Norwich, Ipswich, Cambridge, Peterborough and King’s Lynn, but currently operates at full capacity.

MPs say the upgrades would unlock thousands of extra freight trains from the port at Felixstowe, while also increasing frequency of passenger services.

It comes as two transport bodies, England’s Economic Heartland and Transport East, released an updated report on the benefits of improvements.

The report states Network Rail's proposed changes would cut road congestion, double passenger services on the Ely to King’s Lynn line and return £4.89 of economic benefits for every £1 invested.

Lowestoft Labour MP Jess Asato (Image: Mick Howes)

Labour's Jess Asato, MP for Lowestoft and co-chair of the East of England All-Party Parliamentary Group, said: "The upgrading of Ely and Haughley junctions will benefit people and businesses right across East Anglia – including Lowestoft, the most easterly town and base for our essential off-shore energy industry.

"These projects must be funded as a priority."

Broadland and Fakenham Conservative MP Jerome Mayhew (Image: Danielle Booden)

Jerome Mayhew, Conservative MP for Broadland and Fakenham, said the upgrade of Ely was "essential".

He added: "It will also unlock additional passenger services between Norwich and Cambridge, fuelling the Norwich to Cambridge tech corridor."

READ MORE: What now for the Snetterton spur?

Norwich North MP Alice Macdonald (Image: Alice Macdonald)

And Alice Macdonald, Labour MP for Norwich North, said: "Investing in Ely Junction is not just about improving rail infrastructure. It’s about taking a proactive step towards a greener future."