11.07.17
Residents invited to give views on East West Rail link plans
Passengers have been invited to give their views on plans for a new rail link connecting Milton Keynes, Winslow and Bedford.
The project, East West Rail, is also planned to eventually connect Oxford with Cambridge, creating a ‘corridor’ running across the south of England.
It is hoped that the new line could open up routes for regional and cross-country travel, whilst also reducing the need for passengers to go into London to make onward connections.
The plans are being supported by the East West Rail Consortium, an alliance of councils including Oxfordshire County Council.
The project was originally due to be finished in 2017, but was delayed until 2019 and then pushed back to CP6 following the Hendy Review. However, a new East West Rail organisation, announced by the transport secretary Chris Grayling late last year, will oversee the construction and operation of the new Cambridge - Oxford railway line, making it the first truly integrated rail operation since the 1990s.
“East West Rail is a once in a generation opportunity to secure a huge step in connectivity within Oxfordshire and across the whole Oxfordshire to Cambridgeshire area,” said councillor Yvonne Constance, cabinet member for Environment at Oxfordshire County Council, whose portfolio also includes strategic rail.
“It is a key part of the government’s investment plan for the Oxford to Cambridge growth corridor, and the new infrastructure and rail services it provides would bring more frequent services in Oxfordshire directly connecting Bicester, Oxford and Didcot.”
Cllr Constance added that the new route would be instrumental in reducing congestion on Oxfordshire’s roads, in particular on the A34.
“With phase 1 of the scheme between Oxford, Bicester and London already open and very successful, the consultation sets out what is proposed for Phase 2, to reopen the railway between Bicester and Milton Keynes/Bedford, along with a route down to Aylesbury,” she added.
“This in turn would link to the next section, the new route on to Cambridge. We encourage everyone in Oxfordshire to take a look at what is proposed and respond to the consultation before 11 August.”
And councillor Mark Shaw, chairman of the Joint Delivery Board for the Western Section, also stated: “East West Rail is about so much more than upgrading old bits of track to take on new passenger and freight services.
“It is an essential piece of infrastructure which will unlock the region’s huge economic potential and support planned housing growth - that’s why it has the support of the councils which sit along its route. We continue to lobby for it to be completed as soon as possible.”
Cllr Shaw stated that he understood how people living close to the route may have questions about how East West Rail could affect them, which is why it was essential for them to respond to the consultation.
“Residents can also submit their views to Network Rail’s consultation, so please, make your voice heard.”
Passengers can respond to the consultation here and to read more about the East West Rail Consortium click here.
Top Image: East West Rail Consortium
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