Network Rail secured EUR 2.3 billion (£2 billion) to renew and maintain the existing infrastructure in Cambridge, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and East London. The funds will be spent in 2019-2024 across East Anglia region which will mean fewer delays and improved reliability for the growing number of passengers. The settlement represents more than a 20% increase on the existing five-year budget.
The budget was set by set out in the Office of Road and Rail’s (ORR) final determination.
“This investment will make a real difference to the rail network in the Anglia region. We have seen a huge growth in passengers over recent years and our track, signals, structures and equipment are under more pressure than ever. We have set out plans to use this funding to improve and renew our network to support growing demand and deliver a safe and high performing railway for our customers over the next five years,” Meliha Duymaz, Network Rail’s route managing director for Anglia said.
Under the plans, the largest investment – of £950 million (EUR 1 billion), will be used to maintain and operate the network, £400 million (EUR 458 million) will be spent on the renewal and refurbishment of nearly a quarter of the track, £350 million (EUR 400 million) will contribute to the signalling and level crossing improvement. £250 million (EUR 286.4 million) will be allotted to renew or repair bridges, embankments, cuttings and structures and £200 million (EUR 229 million) to complete renewals of overhead line equipment on the southern end of the Great Eastern main line and undertake similar works across the line out of Fenchurch Street.
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