New Details Emerge for Oxford-Cambridge Rail Link

Further information regarding the proposed railway line connecting Oxford and Cambridge has been disclosed. In Cambridgeshire, plans include two new tunnels, and artistic renderings of the future stations at Cambourne and Cambridge South have been released. East West Rail (EWR) confirmed that Cambridge station would undergo renovation, but indicated that trains would reverse direction at nearby Cherry Hinton “to ease pressure.” A public consultation period has commenced concerning these proposals, encouraging individuals to provide their feedback. EWR’s objective is to establish a railway link between the university cities, passing through Milton Keynes and Bedford. The segment between Oxford and Bletchley is slated to open next year. Despite criticism from numerous local residents and politicians, the project secured government support in the autumn Budget. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh stated that the initiative is expected to generate “more than £6bn in economic growth,” create 28,000 new jobs, and facilitate tens of thousands of new homes. She added, “Today marks a major milestone for the project as we encourage communities to have their say on this transformational line that will offer so much more than simply getting people from A to B.” Designs illustrate that train services would operate from 06:00 to 00:00 on Monday through Thursday, extending an hour later on Fridays and Saturdays. On Sundays, services are scheduled from 07:00 to 23:00. EWR anticipates up to four trains per hour along the route. Following an earlier consultation, plans were developed for a tunnel east of Cambourne, passing beneath the A428, the proposed Bourne Airfield development, and Highfields Road. If approved, an additional tunnel would be constructed through Chapel Hill near Haslingfield. However, some stations along the Marston Vale section, situated between Bletchley and Bedford, could be closed under the current plans. EWR argued that consolidating these stations and building new ones would result in “a three fold increase in services” along this stretch. The scheme has not been without opposition. Among those who have voiced concerns is Pippa Heylings, the Lib Dem MP for South Cambridgeshire. Prior to her election in July, she told the BBC that it was a “botched job” and “hugely environmentally damaging.” Stephen Mallinson, a resident of Little Eversden, called for an independent inquiry into the route. He further commented: “EWR have chosen the most disruptive, the most expensive, the most environmentally-damaging route into Cambridge that we could have found.” The consultation period for the updated proposals will last 10 weeks, running from 14 November to 24 January.