Network Rail has confirmed that it has awarded the contract to build the new station at Soham to J Murphy and Sons Ltd.
Soham has been without a rail connection for nearly 55 years, and the new station will provide more choice for the community and support investment in the area.
The £18.6m funding has been provided by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.
Enabling works are expected to start this autumn to prepare the site for the main construction works in 2021.
A single 99-metre platform will be built as part of the contract, with waiting shelters, lighting and information screens.
A stepped footbridge across the railway will be installed, and will also be designed for any future lift instalments to be easier.
Ellie Burrows, Network Rail's route director for Anglia, said: “Awarding the contract provides us with the means to be able to start delivering this important transport gateway for Soham. This project is a prime example of what we can do when we work in partnership with other organisations to improve the railway for the benefit of local communities and businesses.”
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Mayor James Palmer said: “This is one of the last milestones before we deliver the station that the Soham community has campaigned for. People can't wait to see shovels on site and boots on the ground. It's been a top priority for me as Mayor and the Combined Authority hasn't just funded the project – we have challenged the delivery timescales and pushed Network Rail hard to make sure this long-awaited scheme is delivered as quickly as possible. Our new approach to delivery has already saved us five months, and I am sure we can find other novel ways to speed this up.
Reconnected to the national network, Soham will be part of greening the Cambridgeshire transport system, it will attract more business and more investment, gain access to more jobs, and enjoy a fully-linked commercial and social life fit for the 21st century.”
The station will be completed by the end of 2021. Greater Anglia's Ipswich – Peterborough service will start to serve Soham station following completion of the new station.
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Once the new Soham railway station. The local people of Soham will be very pleased to see a new railway station opened and hopefully Geoff and Vicki from All The Stations will come and visit the new station.
Will it include a passing loop to the north or south of Soham railway station to allow freight trains and Greater Anglia local trains to pass without causing any disruptions. Or will the line be upgraded to double track with Soham station to have 2 platforms built.