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Network Rail has lowered a footbridge into place which will link Cambridge Railway station with two new platforms.

The platforms will be able to accommodate 12-car trains which the company plans to introduce on routes at the end of the year.

Currently Cambridge railway station has only one platform for longer trains.

The changes will enable National Express East Anglia trains to be 50% longer on its Cambridge to London Liverpool Street route.

Andrew Munden, Network Rail route director, said: "The new platforms are crucial to train operator National Express East Anglia's plans to improve train services and provide more seats for passengers on the West Anglia route in 2011.

"Today, services between Cambridge and the capital are very busy and the existing track layout in and around the station is constrained, especially at peak times.

"Adding two new 270m bi-directional platforms - numbered seven and eight - means trains can arrive and depart in either direction, freeing up vital capacity on the existing platforms and making sure Cambridge can cater for additional rail services in the future."

The footbridge which will link the new "island platform" is now in place and includes easy access for bicycles and lifts.