NR seeks fourth track north of Huntingdon

A fourth track on the East Coast Main Line north of Huntingdon is on the cards, after Network Rail submitted a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) to the Secretary of State for Transport for approval on January 26.

The line would be installed north of Huntingdon and run to Woodwalton, near Peterborough. It would allow slower trains to be overtaken.

If approved, the TWAO would authorise the closure of Abbots Ripton bridleway level crossing, with a diversionary bridleway level crossing replacing it. This follows a public consultation last September. The diversion would be completed in summer 2018.

NR said that combined with planned junction upgrades at Werrington (near Peterborough) and Doncaster, the fourth track would improve capacity on the ECML.