A brand new East West Rail project is set to provide a new train route linking Oxford and Cambridge, aiming to stop major overcrowding on some of the busiest lines in the region.
The £1.9 billion scheme, backed by the government, will deliver a direct rail link between the two university cities via Milton Keynes and Bedford, creating a new connection across the UK.
Once completed, the East West Rail will open up an important transport link across major areas, including Oxford, Bletchley, and Cambridge, with the first phase of services between Oxford and Bletchley expected to start in 2025.
The line will operate in three stages: initially from Oxford to Bletchley, then extending to Bedford, and ultimately reaching Cambridge.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh recently highlighted the economic benefits of East West Rail, forecasting over £6 billion in growth, with the potential to create 28,000 jobs and tens of thousands of new homes along the route.
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Haigh also stressed the project’s goal to support both businesses and commuters across the region, calling it “transformational.”
The planned route will use upgraded existing tracks where possible, with new construction bridging gaps.
The railway line between Oxford and Bicester was upgraded back in 2016, but new sections are now needed, particularly from Bicester to Bletchley, as well as new infrastructure between Bedford and Cambridge.
To help reduce congestion, East West Rail aims to run up to four trains per hour. The proposed schedule outlines services from 6am until midnight Monday through Thursday, with slightly later service on weekends. Sundays are expected to run from 7am to 11pm.
In Cambridgeshire, new tunnels have been proposed to minimise disruption to local communities.
One tunnel east of Cambourne and another through Chapel Hill near Haslingfield are intended to limit the environmental impact and address local concerns.
There are also plans to consolidate some stations on the Marston Vale section, potentially increasing services threefold along this stretch.
However, the project has faced pushback from local residents and some politicians. South Cambridgeshire MP Pippa Heylings called the plans “environmentally damaging,” while some residents argued the current route is both costly and disruptive.
A public consultation on the East West Rail proposals is open until January 24, where people can give their thoughts on the project.
