Passenger train stops at Soham station for first time in 56 years

Passengers boarded the first train to stop at Soham railway station in 56 years today (Monday).

A 6.49am Greater Anglia service to Peterborough stopped off at the single-platform station, the first time that has happened since 1965.

Last month, there was an ‘unofficial’ opening at Soham station as part of a practice exercise to carry out Network Rail tests.

SE Cambs MP Lucy Frazer said she is “delighted Soham station has reopened.

“I believe it can act as a springboard for enhancing rail services in our area by helping us make the case for reinstating the loop near Newmarket, which could provide a direct rail service between Ely, Soham, Newmarket and Cambridge.

“I have campaigned for this station since before I was elected and am delighted that it has now come to fruition.”

@greateranglia So this morning I travelled on the first passenger train out of #Soham #Soj for 56 years. #jollygoodshow pic.twitter.com/cXaHNV4sPH
— FlatCapFenMan (@FlatCapFenMan) December 13, 2021

Dr Nik Johnson, mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, officially opened Soham station by unveiling a plaque, marking the end of a campaign to bring railway services back to Soham.

Dr Johnson said: "We need more green, clean public transport for the public good - and this new station is proof that, together, we can make it happen.”

A history making start to my day travelling on the first passenger train from the new Soham station. Fantastic addition to the town driven for my ex-mayor James Palmer. Great start now to push for full train and Bus connectivity which @NikJohnsonCA must deliver pic.twitter.com/rVKKRr6GxG
— Mark Goldsack (@MBGGoldie) December 13, 2021

Former mayor James Palmer was in attendance at the opening ceremony, along with Sir Peter Hendy, chairman of Network Rail, residents and rail enthusiasts.

The Combined Authority funded the £18.6m station, which was being built by Network Rail since spring.

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: "The community has been so supportive throughout the development of this project.

“I to want to express our gratitude to everyone who has worked with us to make to make this project a reality."

A historic day for the community of #Soham #Cambridgeshire as the new Soham railway station officially opens. Having closed in 1965, today marks a new chapter in this communities history adding a rail link to Towns and Cities locally 🚆🚂 pic.twitter.com/5pDjewI03W
— BTP Cambridgeshire and Peterborough (@BTPCambsPeterb) December 13, 2021

Soham station has been built by Network Rail and its contractor J Murphy and Sons Ltd close to the site of the old station which closed in 1965.

It was supposed to be ready next year but was brought forward by five months to, according to Network Rail, “help deliver the benefits of a new station sooner for the community.”