A Chiltern Railways train at Bletchley's East West Rail station on the inaugural test run of the line between Oxford and Milton Keynes Central.
PLANS for electrification along certain parts of the East West Rail line linking Oxford and Bedford via Milton Keynes and on to Cambridge are among proposals to be out for consultation from November.
The ten-week non-statutory consultation will run from November 14 until January 24. EWR Co has confirmed its preference for green traction power in the form of discontinuous electrification with hybrid battery-electric trains, after the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves confirmed government support for the project in yesterday (Wednesday)’s Budget.
As well as the environmental benefits such as reducing carbon emissions, discontinuous electrification would mean overhead lines would only need to be installed along some sections of the route, which would significantly reduce disruption during construction and potentially decrease visual impacts in more sensitive locations along the new railway, said EWR.
It would also cost less than full electrification.
The consultation will also provide the latest designs and information on East West Rail, including:
- Its approach to level crossings and stations on the Marston Vale Line.
- A new railway between Bedford and Cambridge.
- Essential upgrades to the existing line between Oxford and Bedford.
- New stations and upgrades to existing stations.
- Proposed service patterns.
- Reducing environmental impacts and our commitment to biodiversity net gain.
EWR Co’s chief executive David Hughes said the company’s electrification plans would deliver sustainable low-carbon journeys and contribute towards the UK becoming a net zero carbon economy.
“This consultation is a pivotal moment in our journey to create a railway that truly serves the needs of our communities and delivers sustainable growth for the region and the whole country by improving access to jobs, education and public services,” he added.
“East West Rail represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to connect communities across the Oxford-Cambridge region. We invite everyone to take part in our consultation and share their feedback on our proposals to create a positive legacy for future generations who will live and work in the area.”
The consultations visit communities along the route and are a crucial opportunity for those communities to have their say on the latest plans and shape the future design of the railway, said an EWR spokesman. All the information on display can also be accessed via an online Virtual Consultation Room.
The consultation was delayed from the summer of this year due to the General Election in July.
CONSULTATION DATES & VENUES
2024
November 26 2pm-7pm: Steeple Claydon Village Hall, Queen Catherine Road.
November 30 noon-5pm: Bedford Sixth Form, Bromham Road.
December 6 2pm-7pm: Lidlington Village Hall, High Street.
December 9 2pm-7pm: Bedford Swan Hotel, The Embankment.
December 11 2pm-7pm: Wilden Village Hall, High Street.
December 13 2pm-7pm: Tempsford Stuart Memorial Hall, Church Street.
2025
January 15 2pm-7pm: Bletchley Masonic Hall, Queensway.
January 17 2pm-7pm: Woburn Sands The Summerlin Centre, Station Road.
To find out more, click here.
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