Network Rail’s plans to double the railway line between Soham and Ely, potentially opening the way for a series of improved passengers services, were unveiled this week.

A series of public exhibition events were held in Stuntney, last Tuesday, and in Soham library, on Friday and Saturday, to give the public a chance to view the proposals for the first time.

Dozens of people passed through the doors of the library, in Clay Street, with staff from Network Rail on hand to answer questions.

Millions of pounds could be spend doubling the track to allow for an increase in railway freight running from Felixstowe to Nuneaton, with the current single track set to be unsuitable for the task by the end of the decade.

The move could also boost the case for the re-opening of Soham’s railway station, while allowing more frequent services between Ely, Ipswich and Peterborough.

Network Rail hopes to begin preliminary work in 2017, with the bulk of the construction completed the following year.

Following testing, it is hoped to have the new track open to trains by 2019.

To view the plans online, visit https://consultations.networkrail.co.uk/ely-to-soham/ely-to-soham-rail-improvements