UK: Project promoter East West Railway Co has announced updated proposals for the Oxford to Cambridge railway corridor following public consultation and detailed technical design work.
The consultation sought feedback to help develop plans for the alignment, station locations, how the railway would cross roads and rivers, the impact on existing level crossings and ways to improve both the natural and built environment.
EWR Co has made more than 80 changes to the scheme as a direct result of feedback received.
Capacity
Proposals for significant development along the Oxford to Cambridge corridor have been put forward since previous consultations, partly in response to the government’s support for EWR. As a result of these new developments, travel demand might be significantly higher than previously predicted.
The number of trains on the line is now proposed at five rather than three per hour during peak times, alongside freight trains. The maximum train length could be increased from four to five coaches.
Discontinuous electrification
The decision to adopt discontinuous electrification and battery-electric trains has been reaffirmed. EWR Co says this would minimise the overall cost of the project, while still allow it to move away from the use of diesel passenger trains once the infrastructure is built.
It plans to confirm the locations of where electrification equipment would be installed during 2026.
Cowley Branch Line
EWR Co’s plans have been updated to reflected the government’s confirmation of funding for the reopening to passenger services of the Cowley branch line in Oxford. This will release capacity at Oxford station, enabling more EWR services to operate.
Bletchley station eastern entrance
An eastern entrance to Bletchley station is proposed, subject to third-party funding being secured. This would offer an easier and more direct route to the bus station and town centre.
Marston Vale Line
Following consultation and detailed review, the Department for Transport has agreed with East West Rail’s recommendation to adopt the Consolidated Stations Option for the Marston Vale Line between Bedford and Bletchley, which is to be modernised as part of the project.
This would see the current nine stations which EWR Co said have ‘poor accessibility, outdated facilities and slow and infrequent services’ closed and replaced by four ‘modern, larger and better-located’ stations at Woburn Sands, Ridgmont, Lidlington and Stewartby, along with the relocated Bedford St Johns station.
The new stations would offer more accessible facilities with parking, walking and cycling links, as well as stronger connections to new housing, business and leisure developments. The station at Stewartby would serve Universal Studios’ proposed theme park and resort.
Tempsford alignment
The proposed Alignment 1c running north of the Black Cat roundabout is to be taken forward as the preferred route between Bedford and Cambridge. EWR Co said this alignment was strongly favoured in consultation feedback as being shorter, more cost-effective and less disruptive to local roads and communities than the alternative.
EWR Co has updated its design to include a southern entrance to the new Tempsford station, ensuring strong connections with planned growth areas and improved walking and cycling links to nearby villages.
The government has also asked EWR Co and Network Rail to accelerate delivery to support future development in Tempsford, and 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
An eastern entrance at Cambridge station is proposed to deliver a significantly better experience for passengers and better connect with the Clifton Road area and other amenities.
This would include a new gate line, an active travel hub and direct links to walking and cycling routes.
Cambridge East station
Plans for a new Cambridge East station close to Coldhams Lane have been formally added to the scope of East West Rail, subject to third-party funding.
This would provide access to rail service for people in the east of the city, reducing pressure on Cambridge’s main station.
The proposal has evolved from a previous plan for a Cherry Hinton turnback facility.
Next steps
Further consultation will be undertaken next year before the final proposals are sent to Secretary of State for a Development Consent Order which would authorise the works for the modernisation of the line from Bletchley to Bedford and the construction of a new alignment between Bedford and Cambridge.
‘These updates reflect our commitment to listening to communities while designing a railway that delivers long-term benefits for the region’, EWR Co CEO David Hughes said when the You Said, We Did report was published on November 19. ‘Our latest proposals better reflect what matters most to people and will deliver better outcomes for passengers, local communities and the environment.’
Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander said ‘East West Rail is more than a railway — it’s a catalyst for growth, more jobs and opportunity, and this project will make rail travel faster, greener and more reliable for millions of passengers. By investing in modern infrastructure, we’re laying the foundations for long-term prosperity in one of the UK’s most dynamic regions while ensuring that the UK has a rail network passengers can be proud of.’
