A £1 million package of repairs to a railway bridge between Ely and Littleport was carried out last week to prevent future delays between Ely and Kings Lynn.
Had the work not been carried out, speed restrictions would have been imposed on the line, leading to delays and cancellations, Network Rail says.
Between February 12 and 16, 24 steel plates were installed to strengthen the bridge. It was also given a “thorough” coat of paint to prevent corrosion.
The six-span bridge is a key part of the line between Ely and Kings Lynn, which carries up to 76 passenger and freight trains a day at speeds of up to 80mph.
The work took place during half term, when fewer passengers travel.
The five-day closure allowed the work to be done fast with less disruption for passengers, Network Rail says.
The agency also carried out maintenance work at level crossings and removed vegetation to make the most of the closure.
Meliha Duymaz, Network Rail’s route managing director for Anglia, said: “This package of improvements was imperative to providing a safe, reliable and efficient service for passengers travelling between Ely and Kings Lynn as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan. I’d like to thank passengers for their patience while we carried out this essential work.”
Great Northern’s passenger services director Stuart Cheshire said: “We are grateful to our passengers for their patience during this essential work by Network Rail. We are confident that passengers will appreciate the improvements it brings as part of the modernisation of the region’s railway.”
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