James Wild MP has called on the Department for Transport (DfT) to prioritise the Ely Junction upgrade as part of its spending review bid.
The proposed Ely Area Capacity Enhancement (EACE) Programme aims to address a critical bottleneck in the UK’s rail network, where five major lines converge at Ely which are currently operating at full capacity.
It would increase train services from 6.5 to 10 trains per hour during off-peak times, enhancing both passenger services, such as doubling the King’s Cross to King’s Lynn route, and freight capacity. The project would also unlock 2,900 additional freight services annually to and from the Port of Felixstowe, reducing 98,000 lorry journeys and cutting carbon emissions by 1.7 million tonnes over 60 years.
James has long championed this project, which has widespread support from MPs, business leaders, and transport authorities across the region. The last government committed to the project following scrapping part of the HS2 plans but this government has yet to match that commitment.
Speaking at Transport questions in the House of Commons, James Wild MP said:
“Upgrading Ely Junction would deliver more passenger services to King’s Lynn in my constituency, boost freight, and unlock benefits of £5 for every £1 invested so can the Transport Secretary confirm whether this is a priority bid in the Department for Transports bid for the spending review?”
The Transport Secretary said in response:
“We are working on a whole range of schemes in respect to the spending review and I’ll provide the Hon gentleman with more information as soon as I have it.”
The Ely Junction upgrade presents a major opportunity to improve transport links, support economic growth, and contribute to the UK’s environmental goals. James will continue to press for the necessary funding and prioritisation to ensure the project moves forward.
