Call from region’s MPs for Cambridge and Haverhill rail link to be investigated
A call for the feasibility of the reopening of the railway line between Cambridge and Haverhill to be investigated has been made by three of the region’s MPs.
Conservative MPs Anthony Browne (South Cambridgeshire), Lucy Frazer (South East Cambridgeshire) and Matt Hancock (West Suffolk) have all co-signed letters to the transport minister, Wendy Morton, and the mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Nik Johnson.
They are asking the Combined Authority to work with partners in Suffolk to fund a feasibility study into a railway line between Cambridge and Haverhill.
The letters set out the possible benefits of re-establishing a railway line between Cambridge and Haverhill, including improved infrastructure and connectivity in the area, as well as offering local residents a fast and convenient alternative to car travel.
They also make clear the need for further analysis in terms of the optimum route and mitigation measures where these might be needed.
Mr Browne said: “If our region is to continue to thrive, then we must have fast, reliable public transport to spread the ‘Cambridge Phenomenon’ beyond the city.”
He said the rail line would be “faster and less environmentally destructive” than the Cambridge South East Transport busway proposed by the Greater Cambridge Partnership.
The idea of re-establishing a railway line between Cambridge and Haverhill was first proposed by Railfuture in its bid to the ‘Restoring Your Railway’ fund. Although the bid was not successful on this occasion, the feedback received was very encouraging, underlining the potential of such a project.
Ms Frazer said: “I support a feasibility study looking at establishing a railway line between Cambridge and Haverhill.
“A rail link has the potential to improve infrastructure and connectivity in South East Cambridgeshire.”
Paul Hollinghurst, of Railfuture East Anglia, added: “Reopening the railway will transform Haverhill with fast, safe, sustainable, high-quality public transport to jobs, healthcare and leisure in Cambridge and beyond. We are delighted to have the support of the local MPs who see the strong potential of the reopening, along with the 5,000 local people who signed the Rail Haverhill petition.”