Network Rail awarded J Murphy and Sons an £18.6 million (EUR 20.6 million) contract for the construction of the new Soham station situated on the Ipswich – Ely railway line.
The contract includes the construction of a single 99 metre platform to accommodate four car train services including waiting shelters, lighting, information screens and a public address system. The company will also install a stepped footbridge across the railway to connect to an existing public right of way, designed for any future installation of lifts for a potential second platform for any scheme. The new station will also benefit a drop off point and a car park to accommodate 50 vehicles and five spaces for blue badge holders. Cycle parking and ticket vending machines on the station forecourt will be also constructed.
The Soham community, in Cambridgeshire, does not have a railway connection since September 1965 when the Soham station has been closed.
Following the awarded contract, the community will benefit railway transport access, allowing more transport choices to local destinations and support more investment as part of the Council’s vision for the wider area.
The funding package for reconnecting Soham to the rail network has been provided by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, led by Mayor James Palmer.
“This is one of the last milestones before we deliver the station that the Soham community has campaigned for. People can’t wait to see shovels on site and boots on the ground. Reconnected to the national network, Soham will be part of greening the Cambridgeshire transport system, it will attract more business and more investment, gain access to more jobs, and enjoy a fully-linked commercial and social life fit for the 21st century,” James Palmer said.
With consent secured from East Cambridgeshire District Council in June, early enabling works are expected to begin this autumn to prepare the site for main construction works in 2021.
Greater Anglia’s Ipswich/Peterborough service is expected to start serving the new station by the end of 2021 shortly after the new station has been completed.
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