The consultation deadline is 24 January. Credit: 4kclips via Shutterstock.

The East West Railway Company has initiated a public consultation on its revised plans for the East West Rail (EWR) project, which will connect Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford, and Cambridge in the UK.

The consultation seeks feedback on the updated proposals, which include new infrastructure and design changes for the stretch of railway between Bedford and Cambridge, as well as improvements to the existing line between Oxford and Bedford.

The consultation will be open for ten weeks from yesterday (14 November) to 24 January.

The first stage of EWR, connecting Oxford to Bletchley, is set to commence passenger services in 2025, with track laying complete and line testing in progress.

The updated plans, influenced by feedback from previous consultations and additional technical design work, have been released following the UK government’s commitment to fully deliver EWR, as stated in last month’s budget.

EWR’s vision includes enabling job access, business growth, town centre regeneration, enhanced regional connectivity, and support for new affordable housing.

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EWR also commits to a 10% biodiversity net gain across the route and outlines anticipated train service hours.

The ongoing nonstatutory consultation welcomes feedback on the early designs and options under consideration. The insights gathered will inform the development and finalisation of the preferred options for the project.

UK Secretary of State for Transport Louise Haigh said: “East West Rail will boost access to education and business opportunities while unlocking economic growth and productivity right across the region, including Cambridge’s world-leading life science cluster.   

“With these proposals, passengers can get ready for more frequent, faster and greener journeys through an electrified line, demonstrating our drive to deliver infrastructure that is truly fit for the future.  

“This consultation marks a significant moment for the project, offering the public an exciting opportunity to shape the development of this transformational line.”