The government’s HS2 decision opens door to twice-hourly train service for Newmarket

The Government’s decision to revamp major rail junctions at Ely and Haughley has been hailed as a significant step forward towards Newmarket getting a half hourly rail service.

Amy Starkey, of the Jockey Club which, with the Newmarket Rail Group, has been actively working with all stakeholders to improve rail infrastructure and services, welcomed the news of the investment, which was confirmed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak when he scrapped plans for the northern leg of the controversial HS2 rail line.

“The investment will improve the infrastructure across the region and, most importantly represents a significant step forward to achieving improved connectivity of Newmarket, including the introduction of a half hourly rail service,” she said.

“The next phase requiring funding will be the redoubling of the line between Newmarket and the Coldhams Lane junction outside Cambridge. Once this investment is made a much-improved rail service will be achieved and delivering this outcome remains the focus of the Newmarket Rail Group working with Transport East.”

She added: “Such rail improvements are essential and positively impact the lives of so many people and businesses, including the horseracing industry. The investment will reduce congestion, increase visitor numbers, improve passenger services and cut carbon emissions. As an example, it is estimated that improvements to Ely and Haughley could result in 98,000 fewer lorries each year on our roads travelling from the Port of Felixstowe which can only serve to highlight how important progress in this area is for everyone in the area.”

Newmarket MP Matt Hancock said: “I am absolutely thrilled with the government’s confirmation of funding for the junction upgrades. This investment marks a significant milestone in enhancing rail accessibility for the constituents of West Suffolk but also an important step forward to having half hourly trains in Newmarket.”