- Significant updates announced along the proposed East West Rail line connecting communities between Oxford and Cambridge
- Changes focus on bigger ambitions for the railway as a result of public feedback and recent economic investments, providing modern and accessible stations with increased capacity
- More than 80 design changes follow public feedback from last consultation
- Updated designs support confirmation of Cowley Branch Line being reopened
- New station for Cambridge East – subject to third-party funding – now in scope to expand rail connectivity and reduce congestion in the city centre
- Marston Vale Line sees biggest step-change, with four new stations and up to five trains per hour
- New eastern entrances to be proposed at both Cambridge and Bletchley stations to improve accessibility
- Route confirmed through Tempsford to provide the infrastructure connectivity for the government’s proposed New Town
East West Railway Company (EWR Co) has today [18 November] announced major updates to its proposals, shaped by extensive public consultation and detailed technical design work. The updates show how feedback from communities and stakeholders has directly influenced the development and design of the project.
The latest proposals support the ambitions for the new railway line to play an essential role in the opportunities for economic growth in the area, as well as designing a scheme that reflects the ambitions of the communities along the route and creates a fully accessible rail service between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge.
The design updates are set out in EWR Co’s newly published You Said, We Did report, which follows the latest non-statutory consultation and shows how design proposals have been updated and improved following analysis of thousands of consultation responses collected at the start of the year.
EWR Co has made more than 80 changes to the scheme as a direct result of public feedback received. These include:
Cambridge East station
Plans for a new station at Cambridge East – subject to third-party funding – have been formally added to the scope of East West Rail. The new station, located near Cambridge City Airport, would open up rail access for communities in the east of the city, reduce pressure on Cambridge’s main station and support growth in one of the fastest-growing parts of the UK. The addition of a Cambridge East station would provide rail connectivity at every point of the compass – with Cambridge East joining the planned EWR station at Cambourne to the west of the city, Cambridge North, Cambridge South and the existing central station.
Marston Vale Line
Following consultation and detailed review, the Department for Transport has agreed with East West Rail’s recommendation to adopt a Consolidated Stations Option proposal for the Marston Vale Line. Many existing stations are amongst the least used in the country, with poor accessibility, outdated facilities and infrequent, slow services. By consolidating the current nine existing stations into four modern, larger and better-located stations, East West Rail will provide safer, more accessible facilities with parking, walking and cycling links, and stronger connections to new housing, business and leisure developments. The four stations include a new station at Stewartby to best serve Universal Studios’ proposals for a resort in this area.
We now plan to deliver more passenger rail services, up to a maximum of five trains per hour during peak times, to help cater for people wanting to travel to Universal Studios theme park. This is an increase on the three trains per hour previously planned.
Cowley Branch Line
We’ve updated our design to support the reopening of the Cowley Branch Line which has now been confirmed by Government. The service to Cowley will release capacity at Oxford station, which would then allow a full EWR service to operate. The Cowley Branch Line will unlock new local journeys in Oxford, increasing access to jobs, education and housing.
Tempsford alignment
Alignment 1c – running north of the Black Cat roundabout – will be taken forward as the preferred route between Bedford and Cambridge. This alignment was strongly favoured in consultation feedback for being shorter, more cost-effective, and less disruptive to local roads and communities than the alternative. To maximise the benefits of the scheme, EWR Co has updated its design to include a southern entrance to the new station, ensuring strong connections with planned growth areas around Tempsford, as well as improved walking and cycling links to nearby villages. Recognising the scale of future development in Tempsford, Government has also asked EWR Co and Network Rail to accelerate delivery. The first phase will bring forward the East Coast Main Line part of the new station ahead of the full East West Rail interchange.
Cambridge station eastern entrance
A new eastern entrance at Cambridge Station is now proposed to deliver a significantly better experience for passengers and better connect with the Clifton Road area and other amenities. The new entrance would include new passenger facilities, including a new gate line, an active travel hub and direct links to walking and cycling routes.
Bletchley station eastern entrance
An eastern entrance to Bletchley station is being proposed, subject to third-party funding being secured. The eastern entrance would have substantial passenger benefits offering an easier and more direct route by improving connectivity to the bus station and town centre.
David Hughes, CEO, East West Railway Company, said: “These updates reflect our commitment to listening to communities while designing a railway that delivers long-term benefits for the region. Our latest proposals better reflect what matters most to people and will deliver better outcomes for passengers, local communities and the environment.
“From a new station at Cambridge East to better access in Oxford and clear alignment through Tempsford, East West Rail is shaping the modern, sustainable transport link this region needs to thrive.”
Public engagement on our latest proposals will continue in the New Year with a series of localised events in specific communities so people can understand more about our updated designs. In the spring or summer next year, we will then hold another consultation. This will provide an opportunity for local communities and stakeholders to comment on our proposals before we finalise our application to the Secretary of State for a Development Consent Order, which would authorise us to construct the project.