Communities along the route will have an opportunity to have their say on the plans

The latest details on a “once-in-a-generation” project to link Cambridge, Oxford, Milton Keynes, and Bedford have been revealed. East West Railway Company (EWR Co) has announced details of its last route-wide consultation on the latest designs for the project.

East West Rail plans to build a railway line between Oxford and Cambridge. Plans include upgrading an existing section of railway between Oxford and Bicester, bringing back a section of railway between Bicester and Bletchley, and building brand new railway infrastructure between Bedford and Cambridge.

EWR Co has confirmed that an eight-week consultation will run from April 14 to June 9. Communities along the route will be able to have their say on the plans before a Development Consent Order is submitted in 2027.

David Hughes, CEO, EWR Co, said: “This consultation marks a major milestone for East West Rail as we move closer to delivering a once-in-a-generation project that will transform connectivity across the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor.”

Mr Hughes continued: “We’ve listened carefully to feedback to shape these latest designs, which include plans to deliver benefits earlier through phased construction, improve accessibility, and support our net zero ambitions through innovative, lower-carbon technology.

“I’d strongly encourage everyone along the route to take part in our last consultation. Your views are vital in helping us refine our plans and ensure East West Rail delivers lasting benefits for communities, businesses and the wider region for generations to come.”

The consultation will provide latest designs and information including new visualisations of stations and fly-through animations of route sections. There will be details on a phased construction period to deliver parts of the project and new stations or upgrades to existing stations.

The consultation will also include proposed service patterns and carriage lengths to meet the demand for Universal theme park, as well as the latest information on level crossings.

Public drop-in events are being held across the route for people to talk with experts from EWR Co. Consultation events will be hosted in places including Great Shelford, Cambridge, and Cambourne. All the information shown at the public events will also be accessible online in a virtual room.