East West Rail Unveils Enhanced Proposals for Major UK Rail Connection
East West Railway Company (EWR Co) has released a significantly updated proposal for its ambitious new railway line in Cambridgeshire, designed to transform connectivity across the region. The revised plans outline a route that will link Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford, and Cambridge, with services offering up to five trains per hour at peak times.
Universal Resort Integration and Increased Passenger Demand
A key development in the updated plans is the integration of the new Universal Resort theme park near Bedford, which has prompted EWR Co to factor in heightened passenger demand. A dedicated station at Stewartby has been earmarked to serve the entertainment complex, enhancing access for visitors and staff alike.
Gidon Freeman, Vice-President of External Affairs at Universal Destinations and Experiences, commented on the strategic importance of the railway, stating: "One of the reasons we selected our site for a new entertainment resort complex featuring a world class theme park is its central location and excellent transport links. East West Rail can further improve that connectivity - its proposed station by Universal would enhance guest and team member arrival with a new link to our resort from across the Ox-Cam Corridor."
Staged Construction and Service Details
The railway line is set to be constructed in stages, with new stations and track sections opening as soon as they are completed. This phased approach aims to deliver benefits to communities and passengers more quickly while unlocking opportunities for regional growth, including new housing developments and business attraction.
The core service will operate four five-carriage trains per hour along the entire route, with an additional fifth train deployed during peak periods or throughout the day as needed. This fifth train could also facilitate service extensions to locations beyond the EWR route, further expanding connectivity.
Station Enhancements and Environmental Considerations
Significant station improvements are planned, including a new entrance at Cambridge Station to improve access and provide step-free access to all platforms. This upgrade will feature bike storage, landscaping, and street enhancements such as seating and lighting.
A new Cambridge East Station is proposed near Cambridge City Airport to connect the wider region via an upgraded Newmarket line, alleviating congestion at Cambridge Station. Additionally, a revised site on the north side of St Neots Road for the Cambourne station has been put forward to enable greater development proximity.
Environmental measures include modifications to lower the railway height by six metres between Bourne Brook and Harlton, along with the construction of a green bridge over the railway on the A603 Cambridge Road. The tunnel length starting at Harlton Road has been extended from 700 metres to 940 metres.
Hybrid electric and battery-powered trains are intended to operate along the railway to reduce emissions and support net zero targets. A potential train care centre at Fulbourn is under consideration for overnight storage and maintenance, though alternative locations are being evaluated.
Consultation and Future Steps
EWR Co is now seeking public opinions on the updated proposals through a consultation running from April 14 until June 9, with a series of public drop-in events scheduled to provide further information. Responses will be considered before finalising the railway designs ahead of submitting a Development Consent Order in 2027.
David Hughes, CEO of East West Railway Company, emphasised the project's significance: "These updated proposals mark a major step forward for East West Rail to help ensure communities see the benefits of the project sooner as we finalise the design. More frequent and higher-capacity trains alongside a new station at Cambridge East and a new entrance at Cambridge station, will help unlock housing, support new jobs and attract investment, while giving residents and businesses better connections to Bedford, Milton Keynes and Oxford and wider destinations across the country."
He added: "By bringing forward key elements of the railway and planning for increased demand, we are helping to ensure the infrastructure is in place to support future growth and opportunities for our communities. I encourage residents, businesses and stakeholders to take part in the consultation and share their views on our latest plans."
