Train services through Cambridge will be severely disrupted on weekends from Saturday, 11th March until the late May bank holiday due to engineering work in the area.

The planned engineering work will affect:

• Greater Anglia services between London and Peterborough via Cambridge and Ely;
• Great Northern and Thameslink services between Kings Cross / St Pancras and King’s Lynn via Cambridge;
• Cross Country services between Birmingham and Stansted Airport via Cambridge at certain times.

Anyone intending to travel at weekends should check their journey plans before travelling by visiting nationalrail.co.uk, or their relevant train operator at greateranglia.co.uk, greatnorthernrail.com, thameslinkrailway.com, or crosscountrytrains.co.uk

Rail-replacement bus services will be provided for some routes, but passengers should note that full-size bicycles and scooters cannot be carried on the rail-replacement buses.

Dates, when journeys will be affected, are as follows:

• Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 March;
• Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 March;
• Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 March;
• (Good) Friday 6 to (Easter) Monday 9 April; (Bank holidays);
• Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 April;
• Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 April;
• Saturday 29 April to Monday 1 May; (Bank holiday);
• Sunday 7 and Monday 8 May;
• Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 May;
• Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 May;
• Saturday 27 to Monday 29 May; (Bank holiday).

The work is part of a huge scheme to update signalling systems in the wider Cambridge area, which will deliver state-of-the-art signalling technology. That will result in better reliability and reduced maintenance while preparing the network for the introduction of digital technologies such as the European Train Control System (ETCS).

To make the best use of the time when trains are not running, other work will be carried out at the same time including preparatory work and site set-up for the new Cambridge South station, vital track renewals, drainage, surveys and structures. This is the first phase of this major improvement work, and further closures will be needed later this year and through into 2024.

Katie Frost, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “The signalling system is the brain and nervous system of the railway which keeps people, who use or interact with the railway, safe.

“I am sorry that our planned signalling upgrade work will disrupt weekend train services for passengers, but this significant investment in renewing the signalling system around Cambridge is vital for maintaining a reliable and safe railway.”

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia Managing Director, said: “We would like to thank customers for their patience while this work takes place. Customers will still be able to complete their journeys by rail replacement bus. Passengers are advised to check before they travel and allow more time for their journeys.

“Our new trains are already operating on the West Anglia route and the upgraded signalling will help to further modernise and improve the railway, supporting ongoing increases in punctuality and reliability levels and helping to deliver an even better service for rail passengers in the region. This project will also enable greater capacity to be provided and more trains to operate as the Cambridge South and East West Rail schemes are delivered.”

Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director for Thameslink and Great Northern, said: “This major investment will mean more reliable train services and fewer delays in the future, and we thank our passengers for their patience while Network Rail make these vital improvements.

“We’ve arranged replacement buses, but journeys via Cambridge will take considerably longer than normal during these weekends, so please plan ahead, allow plenty of extra time and check before you travel.”