The government has announced the preferred route for the central section of East West Rail (EWR), which could see a significant boost delivered for local transport connectivity across the Oxford-Cambridge Arc (‘the arc’).
Following consultation last year, the preferred route could see the new rail line run from Bedford to Cambridge, serving new stations along the way. This will lead to the government making a final decision on whether to take this project forward, and to make an application for a developed consent order (DCO).
Paul Maynard, the minister responsible for East West Rail, and minister George Freeman, who is visiting Cambridge today following the announcement, both welcomed progress on the vital project as an important step towards improving connectivity in the region and supporting economic growth in the arc. The East West Rail Company will now take forward work to develop more detailed route alignment proposals, in consultation with the local communities.
Minister for Future of Transport George Freeman said: "East-West Rail has the potential to improve rail links to support opportunities for new housing, reduce congestion and pollution and unlock the economic potential across the region.
"By boosting rail connectivity we can improve access to economic opportunities for people in this area, and boost the quality of life in this vital arc."
Minister for East West Rail Paul Maynard said: "East West Rail could help us revolutionise transport in the Oxford-Cambridge arc, increasing people’s access to job opportunities while making travel quicker, cheaper and easier.
"[This] announcement, following our £500 million fund to bring back lines and stations lost during closures in the 1960s, shows we’re backing up our commitment to improving access to opportunities across the country.
On top of connectivity and travel benefits, EWR has the potential to support new homes and jobs in the arc, dubbed the UK’s own Silicon Valley. The government is committed to ensuring that future development demonstrates high standards of design and environmental sustainability and with local infrastructure and affordable housing in place.
The announcement follows the opening of a £500 million Beeching reversal fund on Tuesday 28 January, ensuring isolated communities who lost vital rail links have the connectivity they need. Communities have been invited to pitch for investment that could see local lines reopened, helping to level up regional economies and boosting access to jobs and education.
East West Rail is a major ambition to revitalise 21st century connectivity on the old route of the Varsity line, one of many lines across the country closed during the Beeching cuts.