East West Railway Company (EWR Co) has unveiled its electrification plans and announced the dates for a public consultation on the latest designs and plans for its project, which aims to connect Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford, and Cambridge.
The 10-week non-statutory consultation will take place from 14 November 2024 to 24 January 2025. This period will provide communities along the route with a vital opportunity to voice their opinions on the latest plans and influence the future design of the railway.
Following the Chancellor’s confirmation of government support in the recent Budget, EWR Co has expressed its preference for green traction power through discontinuous electrification with hybrid battery-electric trains.
Discontinuous electrification offers several environmental benefits, such as reducing carbon emissions. It also means that overhead lines would only need to be installed along certain sections of the route, significantly reducing construction disruption and potentially minimising visual impacts in sensitive areas. Additionally, this option is more cost-effective than full electrification, as it requires fewer alterations to existing structures and less land for mast foundations.
The consultation will also cover the latest designs and information on East West Rail, including:
- A new railway between Bedford and Cambridge
- Essential upgrades to the existing line between Oxford and Bedford
- New stations or upgrades to existing stations
- Proposed service patterns
- Level crossings
- Reducing environmental impacts and a commitment to biodiversity net gain
David Hughes, CEO of EWR Co, stated: "We’re excited to confirm our plans for electrification, which support our environmental goals by delivering sustainable low carbon journeys and supporting the UK’s transition to an overall 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.
"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.”
Consultation events will be held at various locations along the proposed route, including some weekend dates and online events, to provide more opportunities for people to attend. A Virtual Consultation Room will also be available, where all the information shown at the public events can be accessed online.
For those unable to attend in person, all consultation materials will be available online, with multiple ways to provide feedback.
Originally planned for summer 2024, the consultation was rescheduled due to the General Election. The new timeframe includes the Christmas and New Year holiday period, but to ensure ample opportunity for community engagement, the consultation period has been extended by two weeks, concluding on 24 January.
Image and video credit: East West Rail