Vital investment which would allow more trains to run between Ely and London, and from East Anglia into the Midlands, could be delayed amid a review called by the Department for Transport.
South-West Norfolk MP Elizabeth Truss has raised concerns that work to the Ely North junction may not be finished by 2017, as previously planned, as a result of the study being conducted by government-funded rail infrastructure body Network Rail.
She has written to rail minister Claire Perry to request a meeting to seek assurances that the brakes will not be slammed on the project.
Network Rail has been told to review all of its projects planned between now and 2019 – the timeline known as control period five – by the Department for Transport, raising fears that previously agreed projects could be delayed.
A Network Rail spokesman said: “When we have the results of that review we will be able to provide further information about the Ely North Junction upgrade.”
Ms Truss said: “Upgrading the Ely North junction will allow for half-hourly services on the Downham Market route and increased services on the Thetford line.
“Cross-country and freight services also significantly benefit from this vital upgrade and I am keen to ensure the timetable is kept on track.
“I understand that just prior to the election the Department for Transport instigated a review of all works in the CP5 schedule and I want reassurance that this will not create delays on the key rail routes in our region.
“This is an issue I have been campaigning for over the last four years and I have asked for a meeting with the rail minister Claire Perry.
“With rail passenger numbers increasing each year, the economic value of the upgrade to the county as a whole is absolutely clear and this is the message I will continue to make to the Department for Transport.”
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