Progress for Oxford-Cambridge Arc as government announces preferred East West Rail central section

Announcing the preferred route, route E, for the Bedford to Cambridge section of the East West Rail line.

The government has today (30 January 2020) announced the preferred route for the central section of East West Rail (EWR), which could see a significant boost delivered for local transport connectivity across the Oxford-Cambridge Arc (‘the arc’).

Following consultation last year, the preferred route could see the new rail line run from Bedford to Cambridge, serving new stations along the way. This will lead to the government making a final decision on whether to take this project forward, and to make an application for a developed consent order (DCO).

Paul Maynard, the minister responsible for East West Rail, and George Freeman, who is visiting Cambridge today following the announcement, both welcomed progress on the vital project as an important step towards improving connectivity in the region and supporting economic growth in the arc. The East West Rail Company will now take forward work to develop more detailed route alignment proposals, in consultation with the local communities.

Minister for Future of Transport George Freeman, who is the minister responsible for East-West Arc connectivity, said:

East-West Rail has the potential to improve rail links to support opportunities for new housing, reduce congestion and pollution and unlock the economic potential across the region.

By boosting rail connectivity we can improve access to economic opportunities for people in this area, and boost the quality of life in this vital arc.

Minister for East West Rail Paul Maynard said: