East West Railway Company (EWR Co) has announced a wide-ranging set of updates to its proposals for the new Oxford–Cambridge rail link, confirming that feedback from communities and stakeholders has directly influenced more than 80 changes to the scheme. The updates are detailed in the newly published You Said, We Did report, following the latest non-statutory consultation earlier this year.
The revised proposals support plans for the railway to play a central role in unlocking economic growth across the region, while ensuring the design reflects the ambitions of local communities and delivers a fully accessible service between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge.
Among the most significant updates are:
Cambridge East station
A new Cambridge East station has been formally added to the project scope, subject to third-party funding. Located near Cambridge City Airport, it would improve rail access for communities in the east of the city, ease pressure on the existing central station and support growth in one of the UK’s fastest developing regions. The station would join a wider network of connection points including Cambridge North, Cambridge South and the planned station at Cambourne.
Marston Vale Line
The Department for Transport has agreed to proceed with EWR Co’s Consolidated Stations Option, replacing nine low-use stations with four modern, better-located facilities. The new stations will offer improved accessibility, parking, walking and cycling links, and stronger connections to new housing, employment and leisure developments.
A new station at Stewartby will serve both the local community and Universal Studios’ proposed resort. Service levels will also increase to up to five trains per hour during peak times to support expected visitor demand, up from the previously planned three.
Cowley Branch Line
EWR Co has updated its design to support the reopening of the Cowley Branch Line, now confirmed by Government. This will release capacity at Oxford station and allow a full East West Rail service to operate, improving local connectivity and unlocking new journeys across Oxford.
Tempsford alignment
Alignment 1c, running north of the Black Cat roundabout, has been confirmed as the preferred route between Bedford and Cambridge. Strongly supported during consultation, it is shorter, more cost-effective and less disruptive than alternatives. The design will now include a southern entrance at the new Tempsford station and improved walking and cycling routes to nearby villages.
Recognising the scale of planned development in the area, Government has asked EWR Co and Network Rail to accelerate delivery, bringing forward the East Coast Main Line element of the new station ahead of the full interchange.
Cambridge station eastern entrance
A new eastern entrance is proposed at Cambridge Station to improve the passenger experience and create better links to the Clifton Road area. It will include new facilities, an active travel hub and enhanced walking and cycling connections.
Bletchley station eastern entrance
A new eastern entrance at Bletchley station is also proposed, subject to securing third-party funding. It would provide more direct access to the bus station and town centre, offering substantial benefits for passengers.
David Hughes, CEO of East West Railway Company, said:
“These updates reflect our commitment to listening to communities while designing a railway that delivers long-term benefits for the region. Our latest proposals better reflect what matters most to people and will deliver better outcomes for passengers, local communities and the environment.
From a new station at Cambridge East to better access in Oxford and clear alignment through Tempsford, East West Rail is shaping the modern, sustainable transport link this region needs to thrive.”
Public engagement will continue in the New Year with a series of local events to help communities understand the updated designs. A further consultation will follow in spring or summer, giving residents and stakeholders another opportunity to comment before EWR Co submits its Development Consent Order application to the Secretary of State.
