PART of Ely s Fen River Way has now reopened after being closed for several weeks following a train derailment. Initial work to recover wagons left hanging over the Newmarket Bridge following the accident has now been completed allowing the footpath to be

PART of Ely's Fen River Way has now reopened after being closed for several weeks following a train derailment.

Initial work to recover wagons left hanging over the Newmarket Bridge following the accident has now been completed allowing the footpath to be opened.

Cyclists have been granted temporary access to the footpath that runs over the rail crossing for the duration of the work on the bridge and until the National Cycle Route 11 under the bridge is reinstated. But they must dismount to use the footpath.

The Fen Rivers Way footpath on the west bank of the River Great Ouse, however, will remain closed for the public's safety while the contractors continue to repair the bridge and footpath.

The route is closed south of the point where it meets the A142, down to the Braham Dock. There is currently an alternative route in place on the west bank, taking walkers to Ely through Little Thetford.

Cambridgeshire County Council Countryside Access and Highway officers are working closely with Network Rail and rail contractors, Kier Rail, on the management of the affected area. Notices will be placed on the route to inform walkers of the sections closed and alternative routes.

Further work to construct a new bridge is taking place and as a result both the east and west bank footpaths will be closed for a period of time later this year. Information will be made available in due course as the situation changes.

Members of the public with any queries about the recovery operation can contact the Network Rail helpline on 08457 114141.