Atkins, Laing O’Rourke and VolkerRail have been awarded an alliancing contract for the design and construction of the East West Rail Phase 2 (EWR2) scheme.

Phase 2 will link Oxford to Bedford and Milton Keynes, with trains running via Bletchley. Trains will also be able to run between Milton Keynes and London Marylebone via Aylesbury.

Andy Milne, Network Rail’s senior programme manager and alliance manager, said: “We are an alliance of four equal parts working as one team. Never before on a rail project of this size has an alliance been convened this early. By scoping all aspects of the project now we will see potential problems early and be able to mitigate them. The earlier we do this work the greater value for taxpayers’ money we can deliver.”

NR said that currently the Alliance is tasked with continuing the development of the outline design and construction programme for the project.

Once this is complete, EWR2 partners will consult with the Department for Transport to agree the final design scope, construction timetable and costs. The aim is to submit an application for a Transport & Works Act Order in autumn 2016.

The plans include a new station at Winslow, two new platforms at Bletchley, construction of 18 new overbridges, construction of 22 new footbridges/subways and changes to 97 railway crossings.

Once complete, this work would enable the following train journeys: Oxford-Milton Keynes (calling at Oxford Parkway, Bicester, Winslow and Bletchley); Oxford-Bedford (calling at Oxford Parkway, Bicester, Winslow, Bletchley, Woburn Sands and Ridgmont); Milton Keynes-Aylesbury-London Marylebone (an extension of the existing service between Marylebone and Aylesbury Vale Parkway, with stops anticipated at Bletchley, Winslow, Princes Risborough and High Wycombe); plus increased capacity for freight services. 

Source: Rail