A LONG-AWAITED rail loop north of Witham that could increase the number of trains and reduce journey times will not be built for another nine years, it has emerged.
The new track, which would separate passenger and freight trains and allow the faster ones to pass the slower moving carriages, is not set to be built until 2024, the government confirmed on Thursday.
"Network Rail accepted the need for the loop and I think they'll be able to find the money to do it," said Chelmsford MP Simon Burns, who is the Essex representative on the Great Eastern Main Line Taskforce which has lobbied for improvements on the Norwich to London Liverpool Street line.
He also raised the issue in Parliament on Thursday, January 22, at a session dealing with rail infrastructure around the UK.
"This is very important for the area and especially for the new station at Beaulieu Park, Chelmsford, because firstly it would add extra capacity on the line and secondly it would decrease journey times, by allowing faster trains to overtake slower ones and so more trains can run at peak times.
"Network Rail is signed up to building this loop, but I believe it is important to keep the pressure up in order to ensure it is installed sooner rather than later."
Mr Burns also revealed that initial discussions had begun into the possibility of an extra line into Liverpool Street.
"Work to Bow Junction will also help with access and controls of trains in and out of Liverpool Street and Network Rail are looking at the feasibility of another platform at Liverpool Street," he added.
Network rail say the Cressing loop is needed to increase the train frequency from Braintree to Witham, with the scheme currently in the long-term plans for the railway in the region.
But the loops north of Witham are further along the development process and are part of the Anglia Route Study for their 2019 to 2024 plans – known as Control Period 6.
This study is currently under consultation until February 3 and will be used to shape the Department of Transport's strategy for the industry's next funding period.
Witham MP, Priti Patel – a fervent campaigner for train improvements – said: "Commuters using the Great Eastern Mainline deserve more reliable and high-performing services and MPs along the route have been working together to secure this.
"The Rail Taskforce, which Simon Burns and I were members of, proposed new infrastructure improvements, including a passing loop on the mainline, to increase capacity and reduce delays.
"This passing loop and another loop at Cressing to improve direct services to Braintree, were also proposed in the East Anglia Rail Prospectus and I am working with my colleagues, the Department for Transport and Network Rail, to get these measures implemented as soon as possible in control period 6 or earlier.
"Due to the strength of the long term economic plan, the Government is able to embark on the largest programme of rail investment since the Victorian times and we are campaigning hard to ensure that Essex gets its fair share."
There was a debate in Parliament on rail services from Liverpool Street to Chelmsford with rail minister, Claire Perry MP, and Simon Burns, as the Chronicle went to press on Wednesday.
