Latest news with #EastWestRail
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Thousands respond to East West Rail public events
Nearly 6,000 people took part in a consultation exercise on the new East West Railway line that will ultimately link Oxford to Cambridge. There were events at 16 locations along the proposed route between November 2024 and January 2025. At the events, East West Rail presented information on work to upgrade the existing line between Oxford and Bedford, as well as the proposed new line between Bedford and Cambridge. It is the third non-statutory consultation that has been carried out, and will help inform the final design, which will be presented for consideration next year. The highest level of interest came from people who attended the events in Comberton, Great Shelford and Cambourne in Cambridgeshire. People largely saw the new route as good for the UK's economic development and felt it could drive up local property values, especially in areas like Bicester and Cambourne. They also felt it could address housing shortages, with more development near the new stations in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. There was concern about the demolition of homes, disruption and negative impacts on businesses and house prices during a prolonged construction phase, as well as the visual impact of the line. There were questions too about some station designs, changes to major roads and bridges in Bedford and Bicester, and the environmental impact of a viaduct over the River Great Ouse floodplain. East West Rail said its technical team would now be going through the comments in detail to see if there were any refinements that could be made to the designs. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. What is happening with East West Rail? 'We have to take risks to build major railway' Operator named for first part of East West Rail New station built with 'East West Rail in mind' East West Rail
BBC News
3 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
East West Rail public events see thousands share thoughts
Nearly 6,000 people took part in a consultation exercise on the new East West Railway line that will ultimately link Oxford to Cambridge. There were events at 16 locations along the proposed route between November 2024 and January 2025. At the events, East West Rail presented information on work to upgrade the existing line between Oxford and Bedford, as well as the proposed new line between Bedford and is the third non-statutory consultation that has been carried out, and will help inform the final design, which will be presented for consideration next year. The highest level of interest came from people who attended the events in Comberton, Great Shelford and Cambourne in Cambridgeshire. People largely saw the new route as good for the UK's economic development and felt it could drive up local property values, especially in areas like Bicester and Cambourne. They also felt it could address housing shortages, with more development near the new stations in Bedfordshire and was concern about the demolition of homes, disruption and negative impacts on businesses and house prices during a prolonged construction phase, as well as the visual impact of the were questions too about some station designs, changes to major roads and bridges in Bedford and Bicester, and the environmental impact of a viaduct over the River Great Ouse West Rail said its technical team would now be going through the comments in detail to see if there were any refinements that could be made to the designs. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
6 days ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Bicester level crossing petition supported by thousands
A petition calling for a fully accessible underpass at a town's level crossing has received more than 3,000 by MP for Bicester and Woodstock Calum Miller, the petition calls on the government to ensure any replacement of the level crossing at London Road in Bicester includes access for cars, not just cyclists and is set to be closed on safety grounds when the East West Rail (EWR) line becomes fully operational, which many fear would cut off crucial access to thousands of residents. Mr Miller will present the petition, which can only be signed in person, in Parliament on 3 June. In the most recent consultation, which received more than 6,000 responses and closed in January, EWR had proposed a new footbridge or underpass for pedestrians and a letter from CEO David Hughes later suggested the plans were under a meeting with Mr Miller and Baron Peter Hendy, the Minister for Rail, on 7 April, Mr Hughes wrote that "further work" had been undertaken as a result of said: "I can confirm that since our meeting we have held discussions with both Network Rail and the local council to understand the feasibility of developing the design to incorporate some form of vehicular access."Mr Miller previously told BBC Radio Oxford it would be "very hard" to put a bridge in office said that in addition to the thousands of signatures it had gathered across Bicester, community volunteers had also taken it door-to-door in areas such as Miller, who launched the petition a few weeks ago, said the amount of collected signatures "in a very short period of time demonstrates just how strongly people feel about it"."East West Rail is a project of national significance – but it must not come at the cost of existing residents in our town," he said."The impact of cutting off this crucial artery would be a disaster for Bicester, no one wants the town cut in two."He said the petition was "a way of highlighting the issue" and said he would continue to press the government and EWR "to commit to deliver the solution that Bicester people want to see".The Department for Transport has been approached for comment. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'We have to take risks to build major railway'
Universal's first European theme park promises to make Bedfordshire a global destination, but the multinational company has made it clear that good transport links need to be in place. The government wants to run direct trains between Oxford and Cambridge, stopping at Bedford. The BBC spoke to sixth-form students at Biddenham International School and Sports College, close to Bedford, about the East West Rail (EWR) project. Finn, 17, from Bedford, said the town felt "quite unconnected" and pointed out that local people generally had to journey via London to travel further afield. "I think it would be vital to have connections east and westwards particularly if we're thinking of Bedford's role in the coming years with our theme park that's going to be built and our rising economy." He said rail travel played a part in where he would study at university, and said he did not choose Cambridge because current transport links were "quite terrible". "[EWR has] got to be for the greater good, if we want to stick to our net zero targets we've got to take some risks and go with them otherwise nothing will be done," he added. Chancellor Rachel Reeves committed to building East West Rail in her Budget in October. The rail link will use the existing line between Oxford and Bicester, and a track taking trains as far as Bletchley is due to open later this year. Moving further west, EWR wants to upgrade the track up to Milton Keynes by 2030. It will need a development consent order from government to build a new line between Bedford and Cambridge. The whole scheme is expected to end up costing between £5.1bn and 6.06bn. Amie, from nearby Great Denham, said the benefits of improving connections to Oxford and Cambridge would be "seen quickly". "It's a perfect in practice idea, but in reality, it can be chaotic," said the 17-year-old. "I think the government needs to be careful not to rush the foundations of the project so people's houses aren't compromised and small businesses aren't being hit when new developments need to be made." Seventy five homes have been earmarked for demolition along the line, including 37 in Bedfordshire. However, she suggested that the improved transport network would boost career opportunities and salaries in her area, helping households with the cost of living. "It stops people's push to move away from Bedford and keeps those families and businesses here, and seeing a future in a place that didn't look like it had one too long ago." Fatima, 18, believes the new rail link will improve the lives of future generations, including any children she might have. "I know there are a lot of people in this school that are aspiring to go to big universities that maybe are out of reach for them. "One of the reasons they may not choose it, is how difficult it is to get from place to place. "Having a direct link is really beneficial for students, people going to work; it can reduce a lot of congestion and traffic." "There are a lot of pros but there are a lot of cons," said Fakir. He does not think the link from Bedford to Cambridge will happen, based on the amount of money already spent on the planning stage. "I don't think it's viable, it is a bit of a shame." The 17-year-old, from Bedford, said he would have undertaken an apprenticeship in Cambridge if there had been a direct train: "It would be quicker and way cheaper for me." He said the rail link would undoubtedly improve the economy, "especially with Universal Studios coming". Although he speculated that both ventures would increase house prices which could "drive people away". "In the long term I would appreciate it if it does bring in more tourists and more opportunities for the general rejuvenation of Bedford," said 18-year-old Hannah, from Bedford. "[But] for our generation and for everyone currently residing in Bedford, it will be difficult for the next 10 years, especially when you're going to have all sorts of construction going on, and a lot more traffic and congestion." Stan, 18, from Bedford, also hoped the rail link would mean more industry sets up bases in the area. "I think the economy could benefit, if companies do come here, and with Universal Studios, that could be the really big attraction and offer a lot of opportunities." But with the cost set to be billions "I don't think it will go ahead", he added. An EWR Co spokesperson said the project was "a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve connectivity for people and businesses". "It will benefit communities along the entire length of the railway, by improving access to jobs, housing and leisure opportunities, whilst also cutting journey times and reducing congestion on local roads." The spokesperson said the company understood the impact the project would have on Bedford, including properties, and that it remained "focused on mitigating" this as much as possible. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Operator named for first part of East West Rail Ten things we have learnt about East West Rail East West Rail build to bring years of disruption Biddenham International School and Sports College East West Rail
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'We have to take risks to build major railway'
Universal's first European theme park promises to make Bedfordshire a global destination, but the multinational company has made it clear that good transport links need to be in place. The government wants to run direct trains between Oxford and Cambridge, stopping at Bedford. The BBC spoke to sixth-form students at Biddenham International School and Sports College, close to Bedford, about the East West Rail (EWR) project. Finn, 17, from Bedford, said the town felt "quite unconnected" and pointed out that local people generally had to journey via London to travel further afield. "I think it would be vital to have connections east and westwards particularly if we're thinking of Bedford's role in the coming years with our theme park that's going to be built and our rising economy." He said rail travel played a part in where he would study at university, and said he did not choose Cambridge because current transport links were "quite terrible". "[EWR has] got to be for the greater good, if we want to stick to our net zero targets we've got to take some risks and go with them otherwise nothing will be done," he added. Chancellor Rachel Reeves committed to building East West Rail in her Budget in October. The rail link will use the existing line between Oxford and Bicester, and a track taking trains as far as Bletchley is due to open later this year. Moving further west, EWR wants to upgrade the track up to Milton Keynes by 2030. It will need a development consent order from government to build a new line between Bedford and Cambridge. The whole scheme is expected to end up costing between £5.1bn and 6.06bn. Amie, from nearby Great Denham, said the benefits of improving connections to Oxford and Cambridge would be "seen quickly". "It's a perfect in practice idea, but in reality, it can be chaotic," said the 17-year-old. "I think the government needs to be careful not to rush the foundations of the project so people's houses aren't compromised and small businesses aren't being hit when new developments need to be made." Seventy five homes have been earmarked for demolition along the line, including 37 in Bedfordshire. However, she suggested that the improved transport network would boost career opportunities and salaries in her area, helping households with the cost of living. "It stops people's push to move away from Bedford and keeps those families and businesses here, and seeing a future in a place that didn't look like it had one too long ago." Fatima, 18, believes the new rail link will improve the lives of future generations, including any children she might have. "I know there are a lot of people in this school that are aspiring to go to big universities that maybe are out of reach for them. "One of the reasons they may not choose it, is how difficult it is to get from place to place. "Having a direct link is really beneficial for students, people going to work; it can reduce a lot of congestion and traffic." "There are a lot of pros but there are a lot of cons," said Fakir. He does not think the link from Bedford to Cambridge will happen, based on the amount of money already spent on the planning stage. "I don't think it's viable, it is a bit of a shame." The 17-year-old, from Bedford, said he would have undertaken an apprenticeship in Cambridge if there had been a direct train: "It would be quicker and way cheaper for me." He said the rail link would undoubtedly improve the economy, "especially with Universal Studios coming". Although he speculated that both ventures would increase house prices which could "drive people away". "In the long term I would appreciate it if it does bring in more tourists and more opportunities for the general rejuvenation of Bedford," said 18-year-old Hannah, from Bedford. "[But] for our generation and for everyone currently residing in Bedford, it will be difficult for the next 10 years, especially when you're going to have all sorts of construction going on, and a lot more traffic and congestion." Stan, 18, from Bedford, also hoped the rail link would mean more industry sets up bases in the area. "I think the economy could benefit, if companies do come here, and with Universal Studios, that could be the really big attraction and offer a lot of opportunities." But with the cost set to be billions "I don't think it will go ahead", he added. An EWR Co spokesperson said the project was "a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve connectivity for people and businesses". "It will benefit communities along the entire length of the railway, by improving access to jobs, housing and leisure opportunities, whilst also cutting journey times and reducing congestion on local roads." The spokesperson said the company understood the impact the project would have on Bedford, including properties, and that it remained "focused on mitigating" this as much as possible. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Operator named for first part of East West Rail Ten things we have learnt about East West Rail East West Rail build to bring years of disruption Biddenham International School and Sports College East West Rail
