East West Rail is hosting a series of events across Milton Keynes and Bedfordshire to explain how its route design has evolved, giving local businesses early insight into one of the region’s most significant infrastructure projects.

The railway is planned to connect Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge, improving east–west connectivity across a corridor seen as critical for long-term economic growth. For businesses in MK and Bedfordshire, the scheme is expected to support workforce mobility, unlock development sites and strengthen access to wider labour and supply markets.

The design update events follow the publication of East West Rail’s You Said, We Did report, released last year. The document outlined more than 80 changes made to the scheme after feedback from communities, local authorities and stakeholders along the route.

At each session, East West Rail specialists will explain the latest route design proposals and answer questions on how the plans are progressing. Importantly for employers, developers and investors, the events also provide clearer visibility on timescales ahead of the next statutory phase.

David Hughes, CEO at East West Railway Company, said the events were designed to show how feedback has influenced decision-making. He added that continued engagement with local areas remains central as the project moves towards formal consultation.

Design update events in Milton Keynes and Bedfordshire

  • Wednesday 28 January (2pm–7pm): South Central Institute of Technology, Selwyn Grove, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK3 6DR
  • Saturday 31 January (12pm–5pm): Queensway Methodist Church, Queensway, Fenny Stratford, Milton Keynes MK2 2HB
  • Thursday 12 February (3pm–8pm): Cauldwell Community Centre, Althorpe Street, Bedford MK42 9HF
  • Saturday 14 February: Bedford event (venue and timings to be confirmed)

Additional events are planned in Bicester and Cambridge, with further sessions due to take place in South Cambridgeshire and Tempsford.

Later this year, East West Rail will launch a route-wide consultation. A Development Consent Order application is scheduled for submission in 2027. As a result, the current events represent an early opportunity for Milton Keynes and Bedfordshire businesses to understand how the rail plans are shaping up before the formal planning process begins.