21.01.19
East West Rail seeking partners to deliver Cambridge-Bedford rail link
East West Railway Company (EWRC) has announced it is seeking specialist partners to deliver the central section of its new rail line between Cambridge and Bedford, after publishing a prior information notice (PIN) today.
The EWRC is developing the line between Oxford and Cambridge, and there are plans for the long-abandoned line between Bedford and Cambridge to be reopened as the old route has now been blocked.
Now the rail company has published a prior information notice seeking delivery partners to help with the ‘central section’, inviting companies to register their interests ahead of talks in February.
The new rail line will connect Bedford and Cambridge, and the line is due to be completed in the 2020s— with most of the western section between Oxford and Bedford already open.
The government re-stated its commitment to accelerating the delivery of the central section in the 2018 budget, announcing £20m for the EWRC.
East West Railway Company chief executive Simon Blanchflower said: “We want to hear from organisations with wide-ranging expertise and experience, who want to work with East West Rail to drive this crucial infrastructure project forward.
“It’s a unique opportunity to be involved in shaping the project from the outset. This is not the ‘same old’ approach - we want to build lasting partnerships and a motivated supply chain who will together help us deliver this exciting new railway line.
“Today we are kicking off genuine engagement with the market – not just briefing them on our plans but listening to them about how we can best unlock their expertise to support our project. We are determined to learn the lessons of the past and harness new innovations for the future.”