THE DEPARTMENT for Transport has approved a funding package of around £27 million to allow Network Rail to extend station platforms at Waterbeach and Littleport, on the line between Cambridge and King’s Lynn. The work will allow eight-car trains to be introduced on peak services, increasing capacity on the line. Both platforms at Waterbeach will be extended to 167 metres in length, while at Littleport platform 2 will be similarly extended and step-free access provided to platform 1. New stabling will also be created at King’s Lynn to support the longer trains.
Work is expected to start in October and be completed in summer 2020, with eight-car services operated by Govia Thameslink Railway expected to begin in December 2020.
Network Rail says the project is one of the first to progress through the new Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline process, which DfT and NR now use to manage delivery of new rail infrastructure.
