Commuters who work in Cambridge are set to see a better rail connection service next year as work to the main building at the new £50 million Cambridge North railway station takes shape.
Two lift shafts are in place at the site of the new station, which is anticipated to handle 3,000 passenger journeys a day.
The new station – part of Network Rail’s upgrade plan to provide a bigger, better railway for Britain – will alleviate the pressure on Cambridge station, where people currently leave the train in order to travel by other means to the science and business parks.
Helen Warnock, Network Rail’s area director for west Anglia, said: “Cambridgeshire’s newest station is now really beginning to take shape and is set to transform the way people travel around the city of Cambridge next year, giving passengers better connections and journey times and access to the business and science parks by rail.”
Lucy Frazer MP for South East Cambridgeshire said: “It is great to see the project progressing to completion.
“Cambridge North station will vastly improve transport links in the area, particularly to the Science Park, St John’s Innovation Centre and Cambridge Business Park.
“Improving our infrastructure in Cambridgeshire is not only important for residents, but will also be a great economic opportunity for local businesses.”
Cambridgeshire County Councillor leader Steve Count said it would be a real asset to the city and the wider area in boosting the local economy and giving local people greater transport options.
“We will continue to work with partners to improve transport connections in Cambridgeshire,” he said.
Work has already taken place to build the track, points, structures to carry the overhead line cabling and power supply.
Once completed, the station will have three platforms, parking for 450 vehicles and 1,000 cycles, and solar panels will provide up to 10 per cent of the station’s power.
The station is due to open in May 2017 and will serve Cambridge Science Park and the suburb of Chesterton.
Funded by the Department for Transport and developed by Network Rail in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council, it will provide an alternative connection point for commuters in the north east of the city and provide improved access and journey times for passengers.
It is expected that the station will encourage new businesses to the area as well as aid the expansion of existing businesses, and encourage additional employment opportunities.
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