Public consultation has begun over East West Rail (EWR) which will connect Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge.
Passenger services are due to start along the first stage between Oxford and Bletchley in 2025, with track all laid and line testing under way.
Updated proposals contain revised infrastructure and design plans for a new stretch of railway between Bedford and Cambridge, plus works to upgrade the existing railway between Oxford and Bedford.
The consultation comes after the Government committed to delivering EWR in full in last month’s Budget.
David Hughes, chief executive of EWR Co, said: “East West Rail will improve people’s everyday lives by creating more job opportunities, easier and quicker ways to get to work and enjoy days out, and more affordable places to live, while crucially boosting economic growth both across the route and the entire country.
“This is why I’m excited to present our updated proposals, which include electrification to reflect our commitment to running a net zero carbon railway.
“Local authorities and businesses have been calling for this railway for three decades and our revised plans aim to maximise the benefits of the project.
“Our updated proposals have been influenced by the huge number of conversations we’ve had with local people and businesses, and thousands of responses we have had to our last public consultation.
“I encourage people to read our updated proposals in this consultation, attend one of the public events across the route and share your views to help us refine our designs further so East West Rail can best serve its local communities.”
Cllr Liz Leffman, chair of England’s Economic Heartland, the sub-national transport body for the Oxford-Milton Keynes-Cambridge region, said: “East West Rail will transform the way people can sustainably access jobs, skills, leisure and housing across the region.
“Our world class universities, science parks and knowledge-intensive businesses will finally be linked together: fuelling innovation, attracting inward investment, creating prosperity and boosting economic growth.
“The launch of this consultation represents a significant milestone for a project the region has campaigned for over several decades. It is crucial that people now respond to the proposals.
“We must ensure the scheme to be delivered is planned, built and operated in a way which leaves the best possible legacy for our communities, businesses, environment and wider transport system.”
The consultation runs until January 24.
Visit https://eastwestrail.co.uk/consultation2024
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