TRAVEL: Mostly the train will take the strain but buses will replace some

Train services into and out of Cambridgeshire face disruption over the Bank Holiday and a week later for the Coronation.

Much of the railway network is open over both weekends but there are some exceptions across the Anglia region.

“With major station and renewals projects taking place, we urge passengers to check before travelling,” said a Network Rail spokesperson.

“Engineering work will affect the main lines at Cambridge, Chelmsford and on the Rainham and Ockendon lines in Essex.”

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Here are some of the changes affecting Cambridgeshire.

May Day bank holiday

West Anglia main line (Saturday 29 April to Bank Holiday Monday 01 May inclusive)

Engineers will continue preparatory work at the site of the new Cambridge South station while also continue to deliver the major re-signalling renewal programme around the Cambridge area.

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Buses will replace trains between Royston and Cambridge for Great Northern and Thameslink services, and between Audley End and Cambridge for Greater Anglia and Cross-Country passengers to complete their journey.

Coronation weekend

West Anglia main line: (Saturday 6 May: Coronation Day)

Rail services on the mainline will be available for Greater Anglia, Great Northern and Thameslink passengers to travel to and from the capital on Coronation Day (Saturday 6 May).

West Anglia main line: (Sunday 07 and Bank Holiday Monday 08 May)

A rail replacement bus service will operate between Cambridge and Ely to allow engineers to continue to deliver the major Cambridge area re-signalling programme and additional track work.

Spring (late) May Bank Holiday (Saturday 27 to Monday 29 May)

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Most of the rail network across Anglia will be open to passengers, however some engineering work will be taking place.

This will disrupt services between Audley End and Cambridge, and between Royston and Cambridge to allow work to continue for the new Cambridge South station.

Network Rail also says the holiday will be used for the renewal of the signalling systems and general track and maintenance work.

“Passengers using the railway via Cambridge over the late May bank holiday are encouraged to check their journey plans before travelling,” said a spokesperson for Network Rail.

Buses will also run on the Rainham line between Upminster and Grays on 28^th and 29^th May for overhead line renewal works.

Jamie Burles, managing director of Greater Anglia, said: “Although there is some engineering work taking place over some weekends during May, the majority of our network is open most of the time, so customers can make their train journeys as normal.

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“On the day of the coronation (Saturday 6 May), all routes are open, all GA services are running, and we will be providing extra seating capacity wherever possible, on services to/from London, to ensure services run with the maximum number of carriages available.

“Our new trains are longer and have more seats, meaning even more people can travel to the capital to enjoy this historic event. However, passengers should be aware that there is engineering work on Sunday 7 May and Monday 8 May affecting journeys on the Great Eastern Main Line south of Colchester and on the West Anglia route between Cambridge and Ely.

“Where Network Rail is carrying out projects across the region this May, a rail replacement bus service will run, so passengers can complete their journeys. We would like to thank customers for their patience while this work is carried out.”

Thameslink and Great Northern Customer Services Director Jenny Saunders said: “Coronation Day is a great occasion and we’ll be running our trains at their maximum length on 6 May so that everyone gets to enjoy the celebrations.

“However, there’s also some vital engineering work that Network Rail needs to carry out on other days during this celebratory weekend and the late May Bank Holiday. Please plan ahead and allow extra time if necessary.”

NETWORK RAIL FACT FILE

• The Cambridge Re-signalling project (C3R for short) is investing £194m to renew the signalling system for the Cambridge area, improving efficiency and reliability for passengers and freight users. #CambridgeC3R
• Cambridge South station will connect the Cambridge Biomedical Campus with potential destinations such as central London, Stansted and Gatwick Airports, Brighton, Ely, and Birmingham.
• Beaulieu Park station will be the first station built on the Great Eastern main line for over one hundred years and opening by end of 2025.
• Greater Anglia passengers can check their weekend journey plans and service alternations here
• Great Northern passengers can check their bank holiday weekend journey plans here
• Thameslink passengers can check their bank holiday weekend journey plans here
• Cross Country passengers can check their bank holiday weekend journey plan and services alterations here
• Full size bicycles and e-scooters cannot be carried on rail replacement buses.

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