The UK’s East West Railway Company has confirmed the next construction phase of its multibillion-pound infrastructure project, which aims to connect communities between Oxford and Cambridge.
The infrastructure upgrade is designed to facilitate more regular services for millions of passengers along the corridor.
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The announcement marks another development in efforts to modernise rail links between the cities.
It details a proposal to raise the number of trains on the route to five per hour.
Alongside plans for increased service frequency, the company intends to introduce several new stations, including four on the Marston Vale Line and a new station at Stewartby.
This builds on recent consultations with communities along the route and responds to low current usage of existing stations in the area.
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By GlobalDataThe Stewartby station will also help serve a forthcoming Universal theme park in Bedford, which is expected to attract significant visitor numbers.
The project includes enhancements such as new station entrances at Bletchley, Cambridge, and Bedford.
An additional station, Cambridge East, is planned to improve access and help reduce congestion in the area.
Connection via the upgraded Newmarket Line will allow faster and more direct journeys to destinations such as Norwich, Felixstowe, and Ipswich.
East West Railway Company CEO David Hughes said: “These updates reflect our commitment to listening to communities while designing a railway that delivers long-term benefits for the region.”
“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.”
East West Rail forms part of the UK government’s Plan for Change, which targets £6.7bn ($8.75bn) in regional economic growth by 2050, as well as supports the development of up to 100,000 new homes along the corridor.
The introduction of hybrid battery-electric trains is intended to provide faster and more sustainable rail services on partially electrified sections of the route.
UK 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.”
Officials anticipate that expanded rail capacity and improved connectivity will support further economic activity and urban development in line with government objectives.
