Network Rail is advising passengers to check before they travel ahead of planned Easter rail upgrades.

Rail engineers will be working in key locations across Anglia to renew track, signals, and infrastructure equipment to improve reliability for passengers and rail users.

Planned works include the installation of new signalling equipment and gantry equipment as part of the wider Cambridge re-signalling project between Cambridge and Ely.

Katie Frost, Network Rail's route director for Anglia said: “This Easter, we are continuing to deliver some of our big key projects at Cambridge and at Chelmsford as well as several smaller renewals projects to keep the railway working reliably.

“Much of the railway across Anglia will be open but I would encourage everyone to check their journey plans before travelling and leave extra time if travelling via Cambridge or Chelmsford.”

To facilitate work to renew the existing signalling system, buses will replace trains on Friday, March 29 and Saturday, March 30 between Cambridge North and Ely and Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds via Newmarket.

On Sunday March 31, buses will replace trains between Cambridge North and Ely, Norwich and Cambridge North, and Bury St Edmunds and Peterborough via Ely.

Meanwhile, on Monday April 1, buses will replace trains between Ely and Cambridge North.

As part of the continued construction of Cambridge South station, a rail replacement bus service will operate on the two weekends after Easter between Audley End and Cambridge North, and between Cambridge and Cambridge North and Royston. 

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said: “This work is extremely important to help maintain the safe and reliable running of the railway.

“A rail replacement service will run while the work takes place, and passengers are advised to check before they travel and allow more time for their journey.

“We would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding while this essential maintenance is carried out.”